Assignment
Emmanuel and his mother live in an urban community housing complex. The building is worn down and dirty from the urban dust, cockroaches, and mold. Emmanuel is 5 years of age and has suffered from asthma for the last 2 years. One evening, his mother poured him some milk and put him to bed. Shortly afterward, Emmanuel woke up wheezing and coughing. As he gasped for air, he became more and more anxious. His mother ran for his inhaler, but he was too upset and restless to use it. Emmanuel's skin became moist with sweat, and as he began to tire, his wheezing became quieter. His mother called 911 and waited anxiously for the ambulance to arrive.
I. Describe the two pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to asthma.
II. Give an example of a medication used to treat asthma. Explain the mechanism of action of this drug and the rationale for using it to treat asthma.
III. Determine whether asthma is an example of a ventilation, diffusion, or perfusion problem. Explain your reasoning.
IV. Explain why someone with severe asthma becomes physically fatigued during a prolonged asthma attack.
V. One of the complications of respiratory fatigue is the development of hypercapnia. Discuss the effects of hypercapnia on the body. How does the body compensate for an increase in CO2?