What is Asthma?

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects the respiratory system of 8.6% of adults, and 6.5% of children... But how exactly does it do that? Let's take a deeper look...

Air is inhaled through the nose or mouth, down the airways into the lungs, delivering oxygen to the bloodstream. The waste from the blood (carbon dioxide) is transferred into the lungs, where it is then exhaled through those same airways.

What happens in a healthy respiratory system?

The same inhalation and exhalation process takes place, except the airways (Specifically the bronchi and bronchioles) are inflamed and sensitive. When exposed to triggers, the muscles around them constrict, making it difficult to breathe. The cells then produce excess mucus, blocking the airways even further.

What happens in the respiratory system of someone with Asthma?

Triggers

Triggers are the irritants that cause the Asthma flare-ups. They vary in each case, and can have an almost immediate impact. People with Asthma often have to alter normal activites to limit exposure to these triggers.

What are some examples of Triggers?

• Smoke
• Fragrance
• Dust
• Pollen

• Exercise
• Heat
• Pet dander
• Cold/flu

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms can appear immediately, and last as short as minutes to as long as days depending on exposure. Asthmatic individuals are typically more sensitive at morning and night.

Symptoms include :

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety
• Depression

So how does Asthma affect someone long-term?

Physical :

Mental :

• Permanent thickening and scarring of the airways

• Reduced exercise tolerance, leading to an unhealthy lifestyle

• Long-term sleep deprivation as a result of coughing and wheezing during resting hours

• Anxiety and panic disorders

• Depression

• Feeling isolated due to limiting activites

How can we help as CNA's?

• Placing the patient in High Fowler's position to maximize chest expansion and promote oyxgen

• Remove triggers and irritants from the patients room

• Rienforce breathing exercises that were taught to the patient by a Respiratory Therapist

• Maintain comfortable humidity in the patients room

• Remind the patient of proper use of inhalers to relieve and prevent symptoms

• Assist with a bath or shower, as steam can help open the airways and reduce the stress of the patient

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Sources

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653
• https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/asthma.htm
• https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/asthma
• https://health.ucdavis.edu/children/patient-education/asthma-children-teens/asthma-triggers

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