title: An overview of asthma.
abstract: Asthma is a disease characterized by reversible airflow obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness. This disease accounts for thousands of hospitalizations each year. Critical care nurses play an important role in the management of acute asthma and in the prevention of acute exacerbations. This article presents an overview of asthma, its pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and management.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology of Kentucky, Louisville, KY 40207, USA. JS3944@aol.com
authors.forename: Jennifer M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Sims
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents