Inhaled Corticosteroids and Mechanism of Action

Patient was educated on inhaled corticosteroids and their mechanism of action as follows: Chronic inflammation of the airways happens to be the key pathology in conditions such as asthma and COPD. In asthma, the inflammation of smooth muscle in the respiratory passages is secondary to various chemical mediators that are released due to repeated exposure to the allergens in the air. As part of the inflammation, the airways become swollen, increase mucus production, and the [...]

Precautions to be Exercised While Taking Short-acting Insulins-3

Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking short-acting insulins as below: Physical exercise, as ordered by the physician, will help improve the efficiency of insulin administered. Maintain compliance with any exercise schedule prescribed by your doctor. Try not to overdo on your exercise, as this might lower your blood sugars and precipitate an episode of hypoglycemia. Maintain strict compliance with administration of insulin shot as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, [...]

Precautions to be Exercised While Taking Short-acting Insulins-2

Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking short-acting insulins as below: Observe for any signs and symptoms of lipodystrophy, such as, thinning of subcutaneous fat in some areas of the skin along with deposition of extra fat in some other areas. Patients also present with poor blood sugar management and symptoms of hyperglycemia, secondary to impaired insulin absorption. Observe compliance with rotation of insulin administration sites to avoid this complication from developing. [...]

Precautions to be Exercised While Taking Short-acting Insulins-1

Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking short-acting insulins as below: Take the insulin shot at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the shot. This also helps to avoid lags in insulin coverage or stacking up the doses of insulin too close. Forgetting the shot can precipitate an episode of elevated blood sugars. Since these insulins have a short duration of onset of action, the shot must be taken no [...]

Side Effects of Short-acting Insulins-2

Patient was educated on the side effects of short-acting insulins as follows: Lipodystrophy This is an effect secondary to repeated insulin shots administered for prolonged period. Thickening of adipose tissue can occur at the site of repeated insulin administration, which can affect absorption of insulin over time. This can lead to a poor response to insulin administered and poor control of blood sugars. Rotation of insulin administration sites can help prevent this side effect from [...]