Show:
Basic Facts
Triggers
Treatments
Other Questions
Diagnostics
100
What biological system does asthma affect? (Hint: The lungs are part of the __________)
Respiratory system (or ventilatory system)
100

What are some environmental asthma triggers?

Dust mites, animals (dander), cockroaches, molds, pollens, viral infections, certain air pollutants, etc.

100
What are key actions to stopping asthma attack before they start?
Prevention and long-term controls
100

What is status asthmaticus? 

Rapid onset of severe asthma. It is an extreme form of asthma exacerbation characterized by hypoxemia, hypercarbia (high CO2), and secondary respiratory failure.

100

What is the most accurate diagnostic test to measure air volume?

A pulmonary function test (PFT) which measures expiratory volume and the volume of air exhaled from one full inhalation and exhalation.

200
What is asthma?
It is a disorder that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow
200

Can exercise cause asthma? How?

Asthma can be induced by exercise. The bronchioles constrict when the individual is exercising. 

200
What is the correct treatment if someone suffers a sudden asthma flare-up?
A quick-relief / rescue inhaler
200

The right medications for you depend on what factors?

Age, symptoms, triggers, and what seems to work best to keep your asthma under control.

200

What diagnostic test is completed to determine hypoxemia and respiratory acidosis?

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

300
What are some symptoms of asthma?
Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
300
What are some examples of symptom triggers?
Smoke, exercise, Cold air, chemical fumes and other strong-smelling substances (perfumes, colognes), and certain food additives.
300

What are the steps in administering a metered-dose inhaler?

Prime the inhaler by shaking the inhaler for 10 seconds and spraying two or four puffs into the air based on your medicine instructions.

To take a dose, shake the inhaler to
 mix the medicine.

Take the cap off the inhaler and make sure
 it is clean and there is nothing inside of
 the mouthpiece.

Prepare your body by sitting or standing
 up straight.

Breathe out all the way
 away from the device.

Hold the inhaler with your pointer
 finger on the top of the inhaler. 

Tilt your head back slightly. 

Put the inhaler mouthpiece into your
 mouth above your tongue.

Close your lips tightly around
 the mouthpiece.

Keep your lips closed around
 the mouthpiece.

Breathe in through your mouth. 

At the same time you press down once
 on the inhaler, breathe in deep and steady for 3 to 5 seconds to pull the medicine into your lungs. 

Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds. 

Breathe out slowly through your mouth.Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out.

300
Is asthma a serious disorder? Can people die from it?
Asthma is a serious disorder. There are 4,000 deaths due to asthma each year, many of which are avoidable with proper treatment and care.
300

What diagnostic test is completed to check for a foreign body or infection in the lungs.

A chest x-ray.

400

Statistically... how often does a human have an asthma attack in the United States of America?

Every 2.88 seconds

400

Do all asthmatics have the same triggers?

No, triggers are personal. My triggers can be different from yours.

400
What is a spacer? What does it do?
A spacer is a long tube that slows the delivery of medication from inhalers. Spacers can make it easier for medication to reach the lungs, which also means less medication gets deposited in the mouth and throat, where it can lead to irritation and mild infections
400
What is the difference between a normal bronchiole and an asthmatic bronchiole?
A normal bronchiole does not constrict any air flow to and from the lungs. An asthmatic bronchiole is characterized by swelling (inflammation) of the lining of the airways, the tightening of the muscles around the airways, and fluid/mucus filling the airways.
400

What diagnostic test is used to assess the severity of asthma?

A peak flow meter which is used to assess asthma and the severity and are recorded as a percentage of expected peak flow.

500
Is it possible for someone to "grow out" of asthma?
No, asthma is a chronic disorder
500
What are some things you can do to make your home more asthmatic friendly? (What can you do to remove triggers from your house?)
Pick up your clothes and toys every day Close the closet door/close drawers Do not put things under your bed Pick just one stuffed animal to sleep with Put a plastic cover on your mattress and pillow Take out rugs Take out heavy curtains Use plain window shades Vacuum regularly Do not smoke Dust regularly etc. etc. etc.
500
What is a nebulizer? What does it do? Does it take longer to use than an inhaler?
A nebulizer is an electric or battery powered machine that turns liquid asthma medications into a fine mist that's inhaled into the lungs. The user breathers in the mist through a mouthpiece or face-mask. This process takes about 5-10 minutes, however, it is considered to be more effective than a conventional inhaler.
500

What is the etiology of asthma?

Different phenotypes (genes) trigger asthma. 

500

A falling pulse ox value is what kind of finding in an asthmatic patient?

A late finding.