In: Anatomy and Physiology
Question: A child with severe attack of bronchial asthma treated with intramuscular injection of adrenalin. His shortness of breath improved, but he developed increased heart rate and pale skin, explain why this medication improved his asthma, and why and how he developed these side effects? What type of medication do you recommend to use instead of adrenalin to have less side effects?
Bronchial asthma is a condition in which the airway path of lungs is narrowed due to swelling. This results in more mucus in the path that causes difficulty in breathing, wheezing and cough. It occurs due to reasons such as smoking, infections like flue, pneumonia or allergens like dust, pollen etc. Adrenaline or epinephrine is a hormone helps bronchi muscle walls to be relaxed and to widen the airway. It can also control wheezing or breathing troubles by blocking histamines. So during asthma attacks when adrenaline is given the bronchial tubes relaxes and widens airways in lungs to make the airflow easier that relieves the symptoms of asthma. Its side effects include increased heart rate and paleness because this hormone is also responsible for the fight and flight response. It is produced when a stressful or dangerous situation arises to help body to react to it quickly that can make your heart rate increase, sweating, paleness etc. Another treatment that has fewer side effects is to use Heliox which is a mix of helium and oxygen. It has less density than air and breathing this can help reduce resistance of air flow in air path that can help relieve symptoms of asthma.