2 Asthma Practice Questions
Review how asthma narrows the airways, how reliever and controller medicines differ, and how to respond to exacerbations and support safe discharge.
How narrows the airways
involves variable airway narrowing and inflammation. In a flare, airway inflammation and swelling, , and increased mucus narrow the airways and make expiration difficult. These changes can produce wheezing and chest tightness.
Reliever and controller medicines
Reliever medicines and controller treatments have different roles. Albuterol is a rapid bronchodilator used for symptom relief, while addresses airway inflammation and reduces exacerbation risk. A alone is not recommended as treatment.
For many adults and adolescents, ICS-formoterol is the preferred anti-inflammatory reliever approach. The appropriate regimen depends on the patient and local guidance; patients should follow their individualized care plan.
Recognizing a dangerous exacerbation
A severe or life-threatening requires urgent escalation and immediate treatment. Difficulty speaking, drowsiness, or confusion are danger signs, and a silent chest warrants particularly urgent care.
Do not delay treatment for routine imaging or give sedatives during an exacerbation. Sedatives are not recommended, including when anxiety accompanies breathing difficulty.
Nursing care during a flare
During an acute exacerbation, assess respiratory effort, air entry, oxygen saturation, and the patient’s response to treatment. Position the patient upright if tolerated, administer a prescribed rapid-acting inhaled bronchodilator, and titrate oxygen as directed.
Reassess frequently and escalate care if the patient worsens or does not improve. For severe signs, activate urgent emergency assistance, support breathing, and initiate prescribed emergency treatment without delay.
Preparing for discharge
Before discharge after an flare, ensure an plan, check inhaler technique and adherence, review a , and arrange follow-up. The plan explains what to do when symptoms worsen and when to seek urgent help.
Do not stop controller medicine simply because symptoms improve. Reinforce the agreed treatment plan and individualized instructions rather than advising permanent avoidance of physical activity or indefinite fixed-schedule reliever use.