Asthma

Asthma - Characteristics

• Disease of the respiratory system

• Due to:– spasm of bronchial smooth muscles,

inflammation of bronchial wall, increase mucous secretion

– Stimuli - allergies, colds, viral infections, smoking, psych. stress, exercise

• Is not a progressive disease

Signs & Symptoms of Asthma Attack• tight chest

• wheezing

• coughing

• rapid, shallow breathing

• anxiety

• tachycardia

• pale color

• lack of endurance

Exercise Induced Asthma

• Onset of S/S w/in 30 min. post exercise

• Prevention of symptoms– know environmental conditions– warm-up gradually & cool down– use a bronchodilator

Treatment for Asthma Attack

• Calm the patient

• Controlled breathing

• Drink water

• Medications– Bronchodilators– Corticosteroids– Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists

Medications - Bronchodilators

• Stimulate Beta2 receptors - causes dilation of bronchials

• Decrease smooth muscle spasm

• For an acute asthma attack

**Long term / excessive use causes hyper responsiveness

Bronchodilators - Examples• Administration - Inhalation• (Albuterol) Proventil• (Piributerol) MaxAir• (Salmeterol) Serevent• (Epinephrine) Primatene Mist• (Theophylline) TheoDur, SlowBid

– decrease release of prostaglandins

• Side effects - nausea, mental confusion, irritability, restlessness

Medications - Corticosteroids

• Use prophylactically before asthma attack to decrease release of prostaglandins, decrease responsiveness of smooth muscles in airways

• Has no effect on an acute attack

Corticosteroids - Examples

• Administration - Inhalation, Ingestion

• (Dexamethasone) Decadron

• (Cromolyn) Intal, NasalCrom

• Azmacort

• Tilade

• Vanceril

• Flonase – allergy corticosteroid

Medications - Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists • Prevents spasm and swelling within the

bronchial smooth muscles– Leukotrienes cause constriction of airways &

promote mucous secretions

• Examples

– Singulair

– Accolate

Proper use of an inhaler

Diabetes

What is diabetes?

• A disease which involves the production or function of insulin

• Normal blood sugar level = 80-90mg/100 ml blood

Diabetes - Types

• Type II, Non-Insulin Dependent, Adult Onset• 90% of all cases• Predisposing factor – obesity, heredity• Pancreas still produces insulin• Symptoms usually controlled by diet & exercise• Oral Antidiabetic Drugs - stimulates pancreas to

produce insulin– Amaryl Glimepiride

– Glucophage

– Avandia

Diabetes - Types

• Type I, Insulin Dependent, Juvenile Onset • Onset before age 30• Pancreas does not produce insulin

• Must take insulin - type & dosage determined by severity & Dr.

• Administration– Injection– Implant pumps

Effects of exercise on diabetes

• Decreases need for insulin

Associated Conditions

• Diabetic Coma – blood sugar elevated– develops over days– S/S - thirst, difficulty breathing, nausea,

vomiting, mental confusion, loss of consciousness

Ketoacidosis– Rx. - call 911, insulin

Associated Conditions

• Insulin Shock (Hypoglycemia)– blood sugar level too low– develops rapidly– S/S - physical weakness, moist pale skin,

headache, tachycardia, fatigue, hunger, anxiety– Rx. - eat sugar, candy, fruit juice, crackers,– Prevention - eat before practice