1. Asthma
Case Study – Module 9

2. functions Exchange of gases (o2 and CO2) at the lungs Regulation of pH
Receptors for smell
Excretion of water and heat

3. Structures Upper respiratory tract Nose Pharynx (throat)
Larynx (voice box)
divider of upper and lower
Lower respiratory tract
trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Lungs
alveoli

5. Alveoli Macrophages Type I Alveolar cells Type II alveolar cells
Clean up foreign particles
Gas exchange
CO2 diffuses from the blood vessels to the alveoli
Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli to the blood
Secrete surfactant to reduce surface tension

6. Pulmonary ventilation
Boyle’s Law
The inhalation and exhalation of air between the atmosphere and the alveoli of the lungs

7. Lung Capacity Tidal Volume – normal quiet breathing
Inspiratory reserve volume – all of the air that can be inhaled from the top of tidal volume
Expiratory reserve volume – all the air that can be forced out after tidal volume
Inspiratory capacity – sum of tidal volume and inspiratory volume
Functional residual capacity – sum of residual volume and expiratory reserve volume

8. Allergy Induced asthma
Good Antigens
foreign, large, complex, and organic (c)
Epitopes
structures on a foreign invader that the body recognizes as foreign
Antibody (immunoglobulins)
- Proteins made by cells of the body to fight foreign invaders

9. Antibody classification
IgG – most abundant in the blood plasma, crosses the placenta
IgM – first to be made upon first encounter of an antigen
IgA – found in body secretions
IgE – instrumental in allergic reactions, binds to mast cells
IgD –found on immune cell and acts as an antigen receptor
Antibody classification

10. Type I hypersensitivity reactions
Allergen binds to B cells, and they make “IGE” instead of “IgG”
Mast cell (basophils)
Release histamine and leukotrienes
Bronchial constriction
Mucus production

11. Asthma chronic lung disease with constriction of the bronchi and mucus that plugs up the airways
Risk factors
symptoms
Allergies
Genetics
environment
Wheezing
Coughing
SOB
Chest tightness, pain or pressure

12. Peak flow meter “yellow” zone “red” zone “green” zone
50% less than normal
Medical emergency
50 – 80% of normal
Cautionary zone
80 – 100% of normal
Measures the amount of air flow from the lungs in a fast blast

13. Medications Rescue inhaler Inhaler Inhaled corticosteroids
Short acting beta agonist (SABA)
Quickly relax bronchial muscles
Ex: Albuterol
Long acting Beta agonist (LABA)
- Bronchodilators
Longer lasting time period to relax bronchial muscle
Ex: Prednisone
Reduce inflammation and mucus in the lungs
Ex: Flovent

14. Asthma action plan
Advises the patient what medications to take based on their peak flow
Determines a plan for the patient based on their peak flow results
Divides a patient’s peak flow into three zones: red, yellow and green
Includes a personal treatment plan for green, yellow, and red zones

15. Pulse oximeter nebulizer
Measures the concentration of oxygen in the blood
“breathing treatment”
Delivery of a fine mist for a SABA

16. Health professionals that helped ben
Emergency physician – assessed ben as he was brought into the er and ordered medications
Nurses – took ben’s vital signs and started his oxygen
Respiratory therapist – measured ben’s peak flow levels and administered oral medications
Primary physician – follow-up care for Ben to review his asthma action plan and adjust medications as needed

17. vocabulary Tachy – rapid or fast Pnea – breathing Dys – difficult
Cardi/o – heart