Patho of Asthma.docx Pathopharmacological Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice Western Governors University Asthma affects approximately 240 million people worldwide and it the most common chronic illiness in
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Patho of Asthma.docx Pathopharmacological Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice Western Governors University Asthma affects approximately 240 million people worldwide and it the most common chronic illiness in the pediatric population according to the World Health Organization. It is under-diagnosed and under-treated and does not discriminate among the socioeconomic levels. If improperly diagnosed and treated, asthma can impede normal activity for individuals affected by the disease (World Health Organization, 2019). A1. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the respiratory system. It is characterized by inflammation of the airway, obstruction of airflow in the lungs and hyper responsiveness of the bronchi. The main component of asthma is airway inflammation which can vary depending on the type of and severity of the disease. The inflammation of the airway creates symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightening, breathlessness and coughing with symptoms being worse at night or in the early morning. This also increases the bronchi hyperresponsiveness to allergic stimuli and airflow obstruction (Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, 2007). There are several different types of airway changes that can lead to airway obstruction. Bronchoconstriction is the contraction of the smooth muscle of the airway which causes the airways to narrow in response to exposure to allergens or irritants. Bronchoconstriction secondary to allergen exposure i. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .
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