NUR 502 Module 4 Discussion Urinary Function Asthma

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for NUR 502 Module 4 Discussion Urinary Function

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease of the air passages characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways (Hashmi et al., 2023). Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, cough, and wheezing. Asthma is a common illness with a wide range of severity, from a minor wheeze to a sudden, life-threatening airway closure. According to Hashmi et al. (2023), asthma affects around fifteen to twenty percent of the country’s population.

Severity of Asthma Attack

D.R. is a 27-year-old man, who presents to the Family Care Clinic with chief complaints of increasing shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue, cough, stuffy nose, watery eyes, and postnasal drainage which began four days ago. D.R. states he began self-treating with frequent nebulizer therapy which no longer provided the usual relief. Based on the symptoms experienced, D.R.’s asthma attack is classified as moderate to severe. It is critical to categorize the severity of asthma episodes so that suitable treatment options can be implemented (Khajotia, 2008).

Asthma Triggers

The true cause of asthma is unknown, and it may vary from person to person. However, asthma frequently occurs when the immune system reacts severely to a substance in the lungs (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2022). Asthma triggers are things that cause or make asthma symptoms worse. Some of these triggers include indoor allergens such as dust and mold, outdoor allergens such as pollen, physical activity, respiratory infections, and poor air quality may also be considered common triggers. In D.R.’s case, given the fact that he presents with symptoms such as a stuffy nose, watery eyes, and postnasal drainage it can be indicative that allergens triggered his asthma attack. Also, D.R. reported that he has had increasing shortness of breath, fatigue, wheezing, and cough, these symptoms can indicate a respiratory infection which can also be a factor that triggered his asthma attack.

Etiology

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects people of all ages. It is caused by inflammation and muscle stiffness around the airways, making it difficult to breathe. The etiology of this disease is complex and still not fully understood (Hashmi et al., 2023). Based on the information provided in the case study, the factors that might be the etiology of D.R. being an asthmatic patient include genetics, environmental exposure, and certain allergies. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2022), having a family history of asthma can increase an individual risk of having the disease. Also, an individual propensity to allergy and exposure to tobacco smoke or any other inflammatory gases can cause asthma.

References

Hashmi, M. F., Tariq, M., & Cataletto, M. E. (2023, August 8). Asthma. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430901/

Khajotia, R. (2008). Classifying Asthma Severity and Treatment Determinants: National Guidelines Revisited. Malaysian Family Physician : The Official Journal of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia, 3(3), 131–136. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4170364/

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24). Asthma – Causes and Triggers | NHLBI, NIH. Www.nhlbi.nih.gov. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma/causes

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