Asthma

• Asthma is a reversible disease that causes hyperresponsiveness leading to bronchoconstriction and limited airflow
• Signs of asthma include dyspnea, chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing, decreased oxygen, decreased PaCo2 and increased PH
• In status asthmaticus, the person experiences extreme asthma attacks only relieved by IV magnesium sulfate. Other treatments include intubation, sedation, and analgesia
• Diagnostic studies for asthma include peak flow meter, ABGs, CXR, serum eosinophils, sputum culture, IgE, allergy testing and spirometry
• If peak flow meter is <50% call HCP
• Treatments include supplemental oxygen, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, IV dexamethasone
• Pao2 should be >60% and Sao2 is >93%
• Types of bronchodilators

  • Beta agonist (-olol): SE includes tremors, tachycardia, headache, nausea
  • Methylxanthine (aminophylline (IV) and theophylline (PO): WNL is 10-20 mcg/mL
  • Anticholinergic (ipratropium): SE includes dry mouth, headache, dizziness
• peak flow rate should be greater than 80%