A short presentation on Asthma, its causes, symptoms, pathophysiology, and management.

1. Asthma
By: The Virtual Presenter

2. Symptoms
Breathlessness Dyspnea
Wheezing
Cough Chest tightness

3. Causes
Animal Pollen
dander
Smoke
Dust
Air
pollution

4. Asthma
Airway inflammation
Epithelial damage

5. Asthma
Epithelial damage
Causes airway hyperresponsiveness,
loss of barrier function allowing
penetration of allergens, loss of enzymes
that break down inflammatory mediators,
and exposure of sensory nerves leading
to reflex neural effects on the airway

6. Asthma
Airway inflammation
Epithelial damage
Mucus hypersecretion

7. Asthma
Mucus hypersecretion
Causes mucus plugs that
occlude the airway

8. Asthma
Airway inflammation
Epithelial damage
Mucus hypersecretion
Edema

9. Asthma
Edema
Increased airway secretions
and bronchial narrowing

10. Asthma
Airway inflammation
Epithelial damage
Mucus hypersecretion
Edema
Bronchospasm
Airway remodelling

11. Asthma
Airway remodelling
Changes in structural cells and
tissues lead to permanent fibrotic
damage

13. Management
Inhalers/
Nebulizers

14. Management
Chest Physiotherapy
-breathing exercises
-physical training
*not recommended during an acute
exacerbation

15. Management
Allergen control
-prevention and reduction of
exposure to airborne and
environmental allergens
-skin testing

16. Management
In an acute asthma attack
•Assess airway patency
•Administer humidified oxygen by
nasal prongs or face mask
•Administer quick-relief (rescue)
medications

17. Management
In an acute asthma attack
•Continuously monitor respiratory status,
pulse oximetry, and color
Be alert to decreased wheezing or a silent
chest. This may signal further narrowing of
airways resulting to the inability to move air

18. Management
In an acute asthma attack
•Initiate and intravenous line to correct
dehydration, acidosis, or electrolyte
imbalances
•Do a chest xray
•Obtain samples for arterial blood
gases and serum electrolytes

19. Thank You!

20. References
• Powerpoint template by Medicine PPT
• Asthma inhaler, the different types and tips on how to use them
properly. Retrieved December 26, 2012, from
http://www.asthmasymptoms86.com/asthmainhaler.html#.UNp
NSuRkyDQ
• Dust allergy testing. Retrieved Decmber 26, 2012, from
http://dustallergy.org/dust-allergy-testing/
• Kaufman, G. (2011). Asthma: Pathophysiology, diagnosis and
management. Nursing Standard, 26(5), 48-56.
• Silvestri, L. (2006). Comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN
examination (Third ed.). Singapore: Elsevier.
• wise GEEK. Pathology of asthma. Retrieved December 26,
2012, from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-causes-chest-
cramps.htm