Patient was educated on atelectasis as follows: Atelectasis is collapse of a lobe or portion a lung. Atelectasis is mostly secondary to blockage of the airways conducting air to the distal portions of the lung. When the airways are blocked, air does not pass through the airways to the distal alveoli in the lung. So, the parts of lung that are not receiving the ventilation remain collapsed. Reduced ventilation leads to reduced oxygen transport and [...]
Patient was instructed on exacerbation prevention measures for asthma patients as follows: Maintain compliance with your inhalers, nebulizer treatments, and other bronchodilator use. Receive your flu and pneumonia shots, as scheduled. Identify the allergens and irritants triggering the asthmatic response and update any addition to this list with your file. This helps trying to avoid all the allergens you are aware of. Avoid being outdoors, especially during the pollen season, if you are allergic to [...]
Patient was educated on chemical mediators of asthma as follows: During an asthmatic response, some chemical mediators are released from cells involved in this response. Cells called mast cells are present in the mucosa on the respiratory airways. When the mast cells are exposed to the appropriate allergens, some chemicals, such as, histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins are released from the mast cells. These chemical mediators cause responses, such as, contraction of smooth muscle in the [...]
Patient was educated on measures to avoid allergens causing asthma as follows: Limit your outdoor activities during active pollen season to avoid exposure to the allergens and triggering of the allergies. Replacing carpet with wood floor or tiles will help reduce exposure to irritants and dust mites. Keep the windows closed during active pollen season, to avoid airborne pollen and weed making their way indoors. Maintain the air conditioner in good working condition, as it [...]
Patient was educated on the signs and symptoms of asthma as follows: Wheezing A turbulent whistling sound that is produced, when airflow occurs through narrowed segment of airway. The wheezing is more obviously heard in extreme cases of asthma. Extreme shortness of breath Dry hacking cough Chest tightness and difficulty breathing This is due to air trapped in the airways, secondary to airway narrowing and it is difficult to accommodate fresh air. Extreme fatigue This [...]