What it means
A chronic condition of the airways that comes and goes. During an attack (an exacerbation), the airway lining swells, muscles around the airways tighten and extra mucus forms. Triggers include allergens, viruses, exercise, cold air, smoke and stress. It is treated with quick-relief bronchodilatorbrong-koh-DY-lay-terA drug that relaxes the muscles around the airways so they open wider.bronch/o airwaydilat widen-or one that doesFull entry and long-term control drugs such as inhaled steroids.
For the nurse
Teach the client to know their triggers, use a written asthma action plan and use the inhaler and spacer correctly. A quiet chest in a client in distress is dangerous, because it can mean almost no air is moving: get help at once.
At a glance
| Spanish | asma |
|---|---|
| Also written | asthmatic |
Related terms
exacerbation
A time when a long-term disease suddenly gets worse, or its symptoms flare up.
wheezing
A high-pitched, whistling sound made as air moves through narrowed airways.
airway
The passages that carry air into and out of the lungs, from the nose and mouth to the smallest air tubes.
bronchodilator
A drug that relaxes the muscles around the airways so they open wider.
inhaler
A hand-held device that delivers a measured dose of drug for a person to breathe into the lungs.