GERIA - WEEK 12 (RESPIRATORY)

Asthma

causes are primarily a combination of genetics and environmental factors, leading to chronic airway inflammation.

Asthma

Common reasons include allergies (to dust mites, pollen, pets), infections (like colds), irritants (tobacco smoke, pollution), exercise, emotional stress, and certain medicines.

Asthma

SYMPTOMS: Cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness

Asthma

NURSING CARE:

Teach use of inhaler/nebulizer

Monitor side effects

Avoid triggers (dust, pets, smoke)

Use peak flow meter daily

COPD

obstructive pulmonary disease, is a condition caused by damage to the airways or other parts of the lung.

COPD

This damage leads to inflammation and other problems that block airflow and make it hard to breathe.

Chronic bronchitis

a long-term inflammation of the airways (bronchi) that causes a persistent, mucus-producing cough and makes breathing difficult

Emphysema

a progressive lung disease that damages the alveoli (air sacs), causing them to lose their shape and elasticity.

COPD

CAUSES: Smoking

COPD

SYMPTOMS: Shortness of breath, chronic cough, fatigue

COPD

TREATMENT:

Stop smoking

Use inhalers or oxygen

Encourage breathing exercises and nutrition

Pneumonia

is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause this.

Pneumonia

SYMPTOMS: Cough, fever, chest pain, weakness

Pneumonia

PREVENTION:

Flu and pneumonia vaccines

Handwashing and good hygiene

Encourage fluids and deep breathing

Pneumonia

TREATMENT: Antibiotics (Azithromycin or Doxycycline), rest, monitor breathing

Tuberculosis

a serious, infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body like the kidneys, spine, and brain.

Tuberculosis

SPREAD: Through air (coughing/sneezing)

Tuberculosis

SYMPTOMS: Cough, weight loss, fever, night sweats

Tuberculosis

TREATMENT:

Take TB medicine for 6-12 months

Never skip doses

Tuberculosis

CONFIRMATION: Mantoux test, Chest x-ray & Sputum test (Gene Xpert)

Lung cancer

a disease where abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming tumors.

Lung cancer

SYMPTOMS: Chronic cough, chest pain, coughing blood, weight loss, fatigue

Lung cancer

TREATMENT: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation

Pulmonary embolism

is a blood clot that blocks and stops blood flow to an artery in the lung. In most cases, the blood clot starts in a deep vein in the leg and travels to the lung.

Pulmonary embolism

SIGNS: Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, low oxygen

Pulmonary embolism

PREVENTION:

Move early after surgery

Leg exercises

Use compression stockings