Asthma is an obstructive airway disease that is reversible. It is characterized by hyper-responsiveness of the airways, resulting in chronic inflammation and bronchospasm. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are other examples of obstructive airway diseases that are reversible. (CH, 2011)
Asthma can either be extrinsic, also known as atopic asthma, or intrinsic, which is also called non-atopic asthma. Extrinsic asthma is the more common variety, comprising of about seventy percent of all cases. This type of asthma is actually an allergic response to a stimulus. The stimulus can vary from person to person. The allergic response can have two phases, namely, an acute response and a late response. The acute response occurs immediately and is mediated through sub-epithelial vagal receptors that cause bronchospasm. This results in a narrow airway through which air must pass to reach the terminal alveoli. The resulting obstruction can worsen with the late response. The late response occurs in the next twenty four hours and is mediated by inflammatory cells which release cytokines. These cytokines cause inflammation and also stimulate the production of mucous. (Kumar, Cotran & Robbins, 2005)
The other variety, called intrinsic asthma is caused by viruses, pulmonary infections, inhaled irritants, aspirin, exercise and stress. The underlying pathophysiology regarding airway obstruction is similar. Individuals with extrinsic asthma who already have underlying atopic asthma develop a more sustained and severe attack. (Kumar, Cotran & Robbins, 2005)
Asthma can complicate into status asthmaticus. This condition is characterized by severe paroxysms that remain for days or weeks and are irresponsive to treatment. Patients develop a classic triad of hypercapnea, acidosis and severe hypoxia. (Kumar, Cotran & Robbins, 2005)
Most patients with asthma have a positive family history for asthma or other atopic disorders. This provides evidence to a genetic association of the disease. Other environmental factors...
COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) year-old male -- pt known to me -- recently admitted to the ward with Non-STEMI & LVF. Discharged five days ago. Was found collapsed in his house by his niece. Duration not known. Could not get up from the floor, no chest pain/SOB. No dysuria/constipation -- ? Incontinence Pt was discharged with a package of care last week. Detailed history not available as the pt is confused and not answering any
This would be considered primary sources of information. An advantage to this approach would be the autonomy. This autonomy comes with responsibilities and a solid data collection method requires strict adherence to scientific principles that demonstrate cautious and precise research beyond reproach. A combination of both methods is preferable in this case. Using both empirical evidence coupled with my personal research would help explain this disease from my personal perspective
Indeed, interaction with the patient on this point would demonstrate a very poor inhalant technique, a factor which the physician failed to consider before increasing the patient's dosage. Additionally, the physician failed to check concordance with respect to the patient's history of medicine use. This might have revealed some shortcoming in the subject's own methods of self-administering medication, including inconsistent usage and occasionally skipped doses. A useful instrument for
41). Groups like the ALA fund research on various forms of COPD every year, so it seems certain that some kind of additional treatments and preventions may be discovered in the future. Since emphysema is such a prevalent disease, continued research must be completed to help ease the suffering of millions of Americans, and save lives, too. In conclusion, emphysema is a serious and deadly disease that can be prevented
In the long-term treatment of asthma, the administration of inhaled corticosteroids is often useful in inhibiting the attacks from getting worse to the level of requiring emergency treatments. Among the various permanent treatment methods available for asthma, ICS has been proven to provide the best results in asthma patients regardless of age. It is the prevalent preliminary treatment approach for recurring asthma in juvenile patients. The first dosage of ICS-Rx
Chronic asthma is considered to be a chronic inflammatory disorder of the bronchial mucosa that results in constriction of airways, bronchial hyper-responsiveness, and variable airflow obstruction that is reversible. Chronic asthma on the cellular level is characterized by an increase in the secretion of mucus and bronchoconstriction stimuli. Chronic asthma can be damaging to the epithelial cells found in the lungs, which can cause the reoccurrence a lot quicker leading
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