Question

Provide at least two examples of respiratory airway diseases. Discuss the causes and clinical management both medical and nursing perspective.

Answer 1

Asthma and bronchitis are most common respiratory airway diseases.

1. Asthma

The causes of asthma are

• Irritants like pollen, dust, pet dander
• Pollution
• Tobacco smoking
• High humidity
• Atopy
• Allergy

medical management

• Bronchodilators, eg:- asthalin, theophylline
• Short acting beta agonists, eg:- albuterol, levalbuterol
• Inhaled corticosteroids eg:- budesonide, beclomethasone

2. Bronchitis

Causes are:-

• Viral infections eg:- rhinovirus, influenza virus
• Bacteria eg:- mycoplasma, pneumococcus, klebsiella
• Chemical irritants- smoke, tobacco, solvents
• Immunosuppressive patients
• Alcohol consumption
• Exposure to cold and draught

Medical management

• Albuterol ​​inhalation with meter dosed inhaler or nebulizer
• Short term steroid therapy
• Acetaminophen to treat fever if have
• IV fluids administration
• cough syrups eg:- asthalin
• Bronchodilators like theophylline

Nursing management of asthma and bronchitis

• Take a careful history to rule out the exact cause
• History of recent respiratory illness and mode of onset
• Observe for flushed appearance, shallow respiration and disorientation
• Auscultate for crackle sound and bronchial breathe sound
• Vital signs to be monitored
• Assess the airway and patient response to treatment
• Psychological support for patient and family
• Administer medications