Asthma & COPD

Learning Team 1- Week 6

Michele Hornick & Lavatus Windom
 Asthma

A common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways

characterized by variable and recurring symptoms,
reversible airflow obstruction and bronchospasm.
Classified by the narrowing of the airway, causing
obstruction to airflow.
Thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and
environmental factors.
Ranges from mild to intermediate to severe and
persistent.
 Types of Asthma

Extrinsic- an acute single episode that is triggered by a Type 1

hypersensitivity reaction to an inhaled antigen. Most patients
who suffer from this type have genetic history of allergic
conditions like hay fever and eczema. Onset usually occurs in
childhood.
Intrinsic- Chronic long term condition that is stimulated by
target hypersensitive in the tissues of the airway. Some stimuli
are respiratory infections, exposure to cold, exercise, drugs,
stress and inhalation of irritants.
 Contributing Factors of
Asthma

Family history of hay fever, asthma or eczema

Viral respiratory infections
Increased sedentary lifestyle
Exposure to allergens
Poor ventilation
Increased air pollution
Occupational exposure
Physical exertion or rigorous exercise
 Comorbidities of Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Impaired Mobility
Insomnia
Sinusitis
Migraine
Depression
Stomach Ulcers
Cancer
 Signs & Symptoms of
Asthma
Cough with shortness of breath, with a feeling of tightness in the
chest, which causes agitation
Wheezing
Rapid and labored breathing with use of accessory muscles and
chest retraction
Productive cough with thick or sticky mucous
Rapid heart rate and a pulse that differs between inspiration and
exhalation
Hypoxia
Respiratory acidosis- decreased metabolic acidosis due to
hypoxia
Respiratory alkalosis- due to hyperventilation
Severe respiratory distress
Respiratory failure
 Treatment of Asthma

Skin test to know what allergens to avoid

Good ventilation

Breathing techniques

Bronchodilators

Glucocorticoids
Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease- COPD

A group of common chronic respiratory disorders that are known

for tissue degeneration and the obstruction of the airways of the
lungs.
A debilitating condition that affect the way an individual works
and functions independently.
The damage that is caused is irreversible and can lead to heart
issues like right sided congestive heart failure and severe
hypoxia. Eventually respiratory failure.
Higher incidence in women.
 Types of COPD-
Emphysema
Occurs when the alveolar walls and septae have been
destructed due to alveolar air spaces that have been
permanently inflated due to loss of elasticity.
Now that the tissue in the lungs have changed so will the
lungs function.
The airways will narrow and the walls will become weak.
Patients with emphysema will also have trouble exhaling due
to trapped air.
If the tissue becomes destructed the lung can collapse or
turn into a mass.
This will predispose a patient to infections due to the
inability of to move secretions past obstructions.
Contributing Factors of
Emphysema

Smoking-The risk for all types of smokers increases with the

number of years and amount of tobacco smoked.
Age- Most people with tobacco-related emphysema begin to
experience symptoms of the disease between the ages of 40 and
60.
Exposure to secondhand smoke-Being around secondhand smoke
increases your risk of emphysema.
Occupational exposure to fumes or dust. This risk is even greater
if you smoke.
Exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution.
 Comorbidities of
Emphysema

Cardiac disease
Diabetes mellitus
Hypertension
Osteoporosis
Psychological disorders
Muscle weakness
Lung Cancer
Signs & Symptoms of
Emphysema

Shortness of breath on exertion

Hyperventilation with use of accessory muscles
Hyperinflation of lungs which gives the barrel chest look
Tripod posture
Anorexia
Fatigue
Clubbed fingers
Polycythemia
 Treatment of
Emphysema
Avoidance of respiratory irritants and sources of respiratory infections
Quit smoking
Immunizations- Flu and pneumonia
Breathing techniques
Adequate nutrition
Bronchodilators
Antibiotics
Oxygen therapy
Lung reduction surgery
 Types of COPD- Chronic
Bronchitis
The bronchi are constantly irritated by smoking and
exposure to pollutants.
Effects are irreversible and progressive
Mucosa is inflamed and swollen
Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the mucous glands,
with increased secretions
Chronic irritation and inflammation lead to fibrosis and
thickening of the bronchial wall and obstruction
Low oxygen levels
Contributing Factors of
Chronic Bronchitis

Cigarette smoke
Low resistance. This may result from another acute illness, such
as a cold, or from a chronic condition that compromises your
immune system. Older adults, infants and young children have
greater vulnerability to infection.
Exposure to irritants on the job. Your risk of developing bronchitis
is greater if you work around certain lung irritants, such as grains
or textiles, or are exposed to chemical fumes.
Gastric reflux. Repeated bouts of severe heartburn can irritate
your throat and make you more prone to developing bronchitis.
Comorbidities of Chronic
Bronchitis

Diabetes Mellitus
Allergies
Obesity
Heart disease
Asthma
Chronic Sinusitis
Signs & Symptoms of Chronic
Bronchitis
Constant productive cough
Tachypnea
Shortness of breath
Frequent thick and purulent secretions
Cough and rhonchi in the morning
Airway obstruction that leads to hypoxia, cyanosis, and hypercapnia
Polycythemia
Severe weight loss
Cor pulmonale
Vascular damage and pulmonary hypetension
 Treatment of Chronic
Bronchitis

Reducing exposure to irritants

Prompt treatment of infection
Immunizations- Flu and pneumonia
Expectorants
Bronchodilators
Chest therapy-postural drainage and percussion
Low flow oxygen
Nutritional supplements
 Asthma v.s. COPD

COPD- a general term that describes progressive respiratory

diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
COPD- is characterized by decrease in airflow over time, and
inflammation of the tissue that lines the airways
Asthma- a disease which involves periodic episodes of severe but
reversible bronchial obstruction in persons with hypersensitive
airways.
Asthma- is considered a risk factor for developing COPD
 Conclusion

Asthma is regularly mistaken for COPD, but it is considered a

separate respiratory disorder. Many of the signs and symptoms are
similar. It is important to remember that individuals with Asthma are
often diagnosed during their adolescents. Asthma can be a risk
factor for developing COPD later in life, but should be regarded as a
separate diagnosis.