Student study notes from paramedic coursework (2023 to 2024), not medical advice. Verify clinical values against current references and your local protocols.
| EMS etiologies | Setting: ER |
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath due to reversible airflow obstruction and bronchospasms. Symptoms can vary in frequency, becoming worse at night or during exercise, and are often triggered by environmental factors such as allergens, air pollution, medications, or cold air.
The cause of asthma is believed to be a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Genetic factors may include a family history of asthma or atopy (a predisposition to allergic reactions), while environmental factors include exposure to allergens, air pollution, respiratory infections, and certain medications (e.g., aspirin, beta blockers). Asthma can be classified as either atopic (allergic) or non-atopic based on whether it is associated with a hypersensitivity reaction.
Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be controlled with treatments such as inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta agonists, and short-acting bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol) for immediate symptom relief. Severe exacerbations may require intravenous corticosteroids or hospitalization.