An Overview of Asthma

In Brief 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. This article describes an overview of asthma, its pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and management. The importance of patient education is emphasized.