Running head: ASTHMA 1
Asthma
South University
Asthma
, ASTHMA 2
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that is diagnosed by the presence of three main
components: chronic airway inflammation, enhanced bronchial responsiveness, and reversible
airflow obstruction (Johnston, 2007). Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of
breath, chest tightness, and cough. The frequency and intensity of the symptoms can vary from
irritating to life threatening. Asthma is diagnosed based on the patients history of the respiratory
symptoms discussed above and the variable expiratory airflow limitation (Global Initiative for
Asthma, 2014). I selected this chronic illness because I was diagnosed with asthma in 2008.
This paper will discuss the morbidity and comorbidities of asthma, and provides a sample
assessment questionnaire for an asthmatic patient.
Morbidity and comorbidities of asthma
The symptoms of asthma are associated with the patient’s expiratory airflow. The asthma
patient cannot move air out of the lungs due to bronchoconstriction. This constriction can be
caused by airway narrowing, thickening of the airway walls, or mucous accumulation. Factors
that can exacerbate asthma include viral infections, allergens, tobacco smoke, exercise, and stress
(New York Department of Health, 2015).
Asthma attacks can occur even in patients who are receiving treatment, and in
uncontrolled cases, attacks are more frequent and can be fatal. Asthma is treated preventatively
through the administration of inhaled corticosteroids. During an attack, additional inhaled
corticosteroids are administered, along with bronchodilators, IV steroids, and supplemental
oxygen (Global Initiative for Asthma, 2014).
There are many comorbidities associated with asthma. Allergic Broncho pulmonary
aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity to an organic mold strain known as aspergillosis
(Johnston, 2007). Aspergillosis is a mold that exists in soil and can infect the lungs of asthma
Asthma
South University
Asthma
, ASTHMA 2
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that is diagnosed by the presence of three main
components: chronic airway inflammation, enhanced bronchial responsiveness, and reversible
airflow obstruction (Johnston, 2007). Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of
breath, chest tightness, and cough. The frequency and intensity of the symptoms can vary from
irritating to life threatening. Asthma is diagnosed based on the patients history of the respiratory
symptoms discussed above and the variable expiratory airflow limitation (Global Initiative for
Asthma, 2014). I selected this chronic illness because I was diagnosed with asthma in 2008.
This paper will discuss the morbidity and comorbidities of asthma, and provides a sample
assessment questionnaire for an asthmatic patient.
Morbidity and comorbidities of asthma
The symptoms of asthma are associated with the patient’s expiratory airflow. The asthma
patient cannot move air out of the lungs due to bronchoconstriction. This constriction can be
caused by airway narrowing, thickening of the airway walls, or mucous accumulation. Factors
that can exacerbate asthma include viral infections, allergens, tobacco smoke, exercise, and stress
(New York Department of Health, 2015).
Asthma attacks can occur even in patients who are receiving treatment, and in
uncontrolled cases, attacks are more frequent and can be fatal. Asthma is treated preventatively
through the administration of inhaled corticosteroids. During an attack, additional inhaled
corticosteroids are administered, along with bronchodilators, IV steroids, and supplemental
oxygen (Global Initiative for Asthma, 2014).
There are many comorbidities associated with asthma. Allergic Broncho pulmonary
aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity to an organic mold strain known as aspergillosis
(Johnston, 2007). Aspergillosis is a mold that exists in soil and can infect the lungs of asthma
