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Discover fascinating facts about respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis. Learn about symptoms, treatments, and helpful tips. Stay informed and improve your respiratory health today!
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Fun fact: According to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, Atlanta is the #1 WORST place to live if you suffer from asthma and allergies!
Common Respiratory Problems Asthma Emphysema Bronchitis Anaphylaxis Anxiety
Trivia Why do you get a runny nose when you cry?
Nasolacrimal ducts Canals that allow tears to drain from the eyes to the nasal cavity. These are why people get runny noses when they cry. Avoid touching your eyes: viruses on fingers can be transported from the eye via the nasolacrimal duct to the nose and throat.
Asthma Affects nearly 10 million Americans. 4,000-5,000 deaths per year.
What is Asthma? Reversible airflow obstruction caused by bronchial smooth muscle contraction.
What is Asthma? Excess mucus secretion results in bronchial plugging. Inflammatory changes occur in the bronchial walls.
Signs and Symptoms of Asthma Known history of asthma. Obvious respiratory distress.
Signs and Symptoms of Asthma Rapid breathing (>30). Cough, tightness in chest. Inability to speak full sentences. Labored breathing.
Signs and Symptoms of Asthma Diaphoresis (sweating). Pale or cyanotic nails/skin/lips. “Tripod position.” Audible wheezing. Prolonged expiratory phase.
Treatment of Asthma Call 911! Allow patient to stay in most comfortable position. Have patient use own inhalers if possible.
Note on Inhalers Why should people NOT share inhalers? Try to think of at least three reasons. • May have different medicine. • May have incorrect dose for individual. • Sharing germs. • Inhaler may not be ready for original individual if needed.
Treatment of Asthma Take vital signs and write them down. Remind patient to keep breathing!
Bronchitis Inflammation of the bronchi and bronchial tubes.
Acute Bronchitis Caused by infection. Most often caused by one of a number of viruses that can infect the respiratory tract and attack the bronchial tubes. Infection by certain bacteria can also cause acute bronchitis.
Acute Bronchitis Signs and symptoms include productive cough, dyspnea, chest pain, fever.
Treatment of Acute Bronchitis Antibiotics and expectorants to remove excess mucous.
Chronic Bronchitis Chronic inflammation. Damaged cilia. Enlarged mucous glands.
Causes of Chronic Bronchitis Frequent attacks of acute bronchitis. Smoking.
Causes of Chronic Bronchitis Long term exposure to pollutants or second hand smoke.
What makes it chronic? Chronic bronchitis can be mild to severe and is longer lasting — from several months to years. With chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes continue to be inflamed (red and swollen), irritated, and produce excessive mucus over time. Don’t SMOKE
Asthma AND Bronchitis?? In people with asthma, bouts of bronchitis may come on suddenly and trigger episodes in which they have chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and difficulty exhaling (breathing out). In a severe episode of asthmatic bronchitis, the airways can become so narrowed and clogged that breathing is very difficult.
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis Excess mucous. Productive cough. Wheezing. Dyspnea. Prolonged expiratory phase.
Chronic Bronchitis Signs and symptoms include dyspnea and a prolonged expiratory phase.
Chronic Bronchitis In advanced cases patients may exhibit cyanosis and edema. “Blue Bloater.”
Chronic Bronchitis Treatment: antibiotics, bronchodilators, respiratory therapy. NO CURE.
Emphysema Walls of the alveoli deteriorate and lose their elasticity. CO2 is trapped in alveoli. Poor air exchange.
Causes of Emphysema Smoking. Prolonged exposure to pollutants.
Emphysema Signs and symptoms include dyspnea, feeling of suffocation, pain, barrel chest, chronic cough.
Emphysema Cyanosis, rapid respiratory rate, prolonged expiratory phase.
Emphysema Eventual respiratory failure and death. “Pink puffer.”
Treatment of Emphysema Bronchodilators, treatment of infections, oxygen therapy, respiratory therapy.
Anaphylaxis Severe allergic reaction. Causes 400-800 deaths each year.
Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis Patient may know they are having allergic reaction. Obvious respiratory distress.
Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis Tightness in throat and chest. Audible wheezing on inhale AND exhale.
Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis Runny nose Tearing Hives Flushed, red skin Swelling May have low blood pressure due to shock.
Treatment of Anaphylaxis Have patient use inhalers or epipen if possible.
Be Careful! One study in The Annals of Emergency Medicine described three cases in which people having heart attacks thought wrongly that they were hyperventilating. These patients died after losing oxygen while breathing into bags.
THE BOTTOM LINE Most studies advise against paper bags to treat hyperventilation.