Quality of Life in Asthmatic Adolescents - Case Study Example

Asthma Name Institution Affiliation Asthma Asthma is a common pulmonary condition that is usually characterized by the chronic inflammation of the respiratory tubes. Asthma also leads to the tightening of the respiratory smooth muscles as well as the occurrence of bronchoconstriction (Heuck et al., 1997). In the United States, it is estimated that one in eleven children, as well as one in twelve adults, suffer from asthma. On a worldwide scale, asthma is a disease that affects more than 230 million people. Asthma is categorized into two main groups: allergic and non-allergic asthma. In both cases, bronchoconstriction is evident as the airways in the respiratory system are usually inflamed due to a reaction such as smoke, pollen, or dust (Tabachnik et al., 1981). During this process, the airways tend to narrow down while they produce excess mucus thus resulting in extreme difficulties in breathing (Heuck et al., 1997). Asthma usually signals the reaction of the immune system in the bronchial system if certain undesirable object finds themselves in these airways. Coughing and other breathing difficulties can also be seen in the process of the occurrence of an asthma attack. As mentioned before, the core problem that is reflected with asthma is that it appears to be an immunological issue (Poulos, Toelle & Marks, 2005). In normal respiratory functions, the antigen-presenting cells are responsible for acting on inhaled allergens that find their way into the inner airways. The antigen-presenting cells are then responsible for presenting these allergens to other body cells such as those found in the immune system (Heuck et al., 1997). For people who are not asthmatic, these body immune cells will mostly ignore the allergen molecules; thus, resulting in less adverse reactions. However, in the case of asthma patients, these immune systems change their nature the moment they are exposed to these allergen molecules; thus, resulting in asthmatic attack (Poulos, Toelle & Marks, 2005). In children and asthma patients who are of the adolescent age, it is crucial to consider appropriate care that can help them interact with their asthmatic conditions (Alvim et al., 2009). Appropriate management and care of asthmatic patients involve the minimization of opportunities that may lead to exposure to respiratory allergens. It is also of utmost importance to minimize morbidity that arises as a result of acute episodes of asthma attacks. Psychological health is also critical for asthmatic patients (Poulos, Toelle & Marks, 2005). A core activity in asthma care in patients is the mandate to buttress the psychological aspects of such children through the prevention of psychological as well as functional morbidity. Caregivers must accurately position themselves in an environment that continually provides appropriate care that is in line with the age of a child (Heuck et al., 1997). In looking at Steven’s issue, there are some issues that stand out immediately. Firstly, it seems that Steven lives in a single-parent family set up. The head of the household is the mother. He has six brothers and sisters thus implying that the family resources are stretched, especially when it comes to adequate care and attention from the mother. While there are no clear indications that there are older siblings who could provide adequate care to Steven, it seems that a large part of Steven’s life has gone unnoticed by the members of the household. Since his diagnosis that he had an asthmatic condition at the age of two years old, Steven had received adequate good care from his family and the healthcare providers. The use of relievers and preventive measures set Steven on a path where he had the ability to deal with the most incidences associated with his asthmatic condition (Ostrov & Ostrov, 1986). The onset of adolescent resulted in Steven adopting other habits and characteristics that increasingly placed him in danger of being under asthmatic attacks. In this understanding, it is crucial for caregivers to consider family-centered care principles in the diagnosis and treatment of Steven’s issue. Patient and family care health approaches are based on the premise that healthcare is best served when there are mutually beneficial partnerships among patients, families, and the healthcare providers (Alvim et al., 2009). It is crucial for families to be integrated into the provision of quality healthcare for asthmatic patients. It does not matter the age group a person belongs to, the provision of healthcare should be placed to be a priority for all patients. As seen in the case of Steven, it is crucial to appreciate the role of the family in enhancing Steven’s safety and wellbeing (Otten, Engels & van den Eijnden, 2005). The core of family-centred healthcare provision is based on the premise that social, development and emotional support are integral to all forms of healthcare provision (Shields et al., 2007). In analysing Steven’s case, there is a distinct lack of family support about the asthmatic condition he suffers from. It seems that as soon as he stepped into adolescence, he was largely left to take care of his health status (Ostrov & Ostrov, 1986). Cigarette smoke is a known allergen of the human respiratory system that can trigger an asthmatic attack. It is not uncommon to find indigenous adolescents engaging in risky behaviours and other forms of deviant behaviours as well (MacKean, Thurston & Scott, 2005). For Steven to have a brighter future regarding his health, there needs to be created a logical framework that will involve the family in ensuring that Steven is careful when it comes to the choices such as the option to smoke a cigarette. Information sharing is a core principle in patients and family-centred care. At this point, it is crucial for the healthcare provider to have a candid discussion with the mother as well as the older members of the house so as to clearly understand the issues that would cause Steven to smoke cigarettes despite the fact that he has a serious condition (MacKean, Thurston & Scott, 2005). Through information sharing Steven and the family members will be in a position to know the responsibilities that each one has with regards to the asthmatic condition. Patients and family members must be placed in a position to reconfigure their lifestyle choices in a manner that is candid and free. Through collaboration with family members, healthcare providers will have the capacity to deal with all the issues that might have caused Steven to embark on a path that is dangerous to his health. Family-centred care is closely connected with developmentally appropriate care. The context within which a child develops is crucial in the provision of quality healthcare. Steven, being an indigenous child, is prone to exposure to harsh realities of life as it is the case with many adolescent boys who live in such a setting (Eley & Gorman, 2010). As such, to ensure Steven has a brighter future, it is crucial to consider the core factors responsible for his behaviour. From a family care perspective, the family members must understand their role in ensuring continuity and transition from childhood into adulthood (MacKean, Thurston & Scott, 2005). Such a perspective provides a place of reflection and understanding the schema of things through critical tools such as emotional support, and respect. In looking at developmental issues, the healthcare provider is immediately faced with an issue of contextualization. Every development path is unique to the patient, and this means one must act to provide Steven with healthcare services that are in tune with his needs (MacKean, Thurston & Scott, 2005). Research has shown that adolescents usually have unique characteristics usually not addressed in the current models that are used to design the functioning of healthcare centres (Strong et al., 2005). The psychological, and emotional, as well as socio-cultural stages of adolescence, are critical aspects that should be considered in the appropriate provision of healthcare for Steven (Dill & Gance‐Cleveland, 2005). Clear communication is required on Steven’s part so that the healthcare providers can chart the best way forward. Specific areas of concern that should be addressed include Steven’s relationship with family members. Adolescents are usually prone to exhibiting deviant behaviour, and this can create distance with family members (Bruzzese et al., 2004). Such a scenario seems to be the case with Steven, and it may mean that counselling sessions be provided so as to provide the best healthcare (Eley & Gorman, 2010). A sense of independence and autonomy is a predominant figure among adolescents and it may also impact the way in which Steven approaches his health (Ostrov & Ostrov, 1986). At such a point, it is important for the healthcare givers to consider creating an environment of partnership with adolescents as it means that they will always feel that they are in control of the entire process. Growth and development concepts are also crucial in the diagnosis of disease for adolescent children. Steven’s scenario shows a person who is uncooperative with his medication plan. As he constantly indulges in cigarette smoking, it clearly shows that there are misplaced priorities when it comes to his general health (Eley & Gorman, 2010). Growth and development concepts allow nurses to understand the needs of adolescents and their response to various issues such as authority. The primary drivers of motivation have changed in Steven’s life, and this means the nurses must always find out the best ways that Steven can use to create an environment of partnership with regards to his medication plan (Ostrov & Ostrov, 1986). Erickson’s stages of psychological development show that Steven’s age is mainly characterized by issues of identity and role confusion (Ostrov & Ostrov, 1986). Steven may have been largely irritated by his condition to such a level that he feels embarrassed or insecure. The need to create a balanced perspective is crucial in such a scenario since the personal definers have been shaken by external issues. At such an age, there are usually feelings of confusion and indecisiveness. It is also possible for one to exhibit anti-social behaviour (Brook & Shiloh, 1993). In conclusion, the theories above can be used by the healthcare workers to design the best possible path for Steven to follow with regards to his medication. His transition into adulthood is mainly characterized by anti-social behaviour to an extent that it may threaten his life. To provide a better chance of survival, the case should be approached through the cooperation of the family members (Eley & Gorman, 2010). The environment at home should be sensitive to his needs since he is he is psychologically fragile. More than just the provision of medicine, the healthcare plan should consider the non-biological factors that are also crucial to Steven’s wellbeing. References Alvim, C. G., Picinin, I. M., Camargos, P. M., Colosimo, E., Lasmar, L. B., Ibiapina, C. C., & Andrade, C. R. (2009). 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E., & Scott, C. M. (2005). Bridging the divide between families and health professionals’ perspectives on family‐centred care. Health Expectations, 8(1), 74-85. Ostrov, M. R., & Ostrov, E. (1986). The self-image of asthmatic adolescents. Journal of Asthma, 23(4), 187-193. Otten, R., Engels, R. C., & van den Eijnden, R. J. (2005). Parental smoking and smoking behavior in asthmatic and nonasthmatic adolescents. Journal of Asthma, 42(5), 349-355. Poulos, L. M., Toelle, B. G., & Marks, G. B. (2005). The burden of asthma in children: an Australian perspective. Paediatric respiratory reviews, 6(1), 20-27. Shields, L., Pratt, J., Davis, L., & Hunter, J. (2007). Family‐centred care for children in hospital. The Cochrane Library. Strong, W. B., Malina, R. M., Blimkie, C. J., Daniels, S. R., Dishman, R. K., Gutin, B., ... & Rowland, T. (2005). Evidence based physical activity for school-age youth. The Journal of pediatrics, 146(6), 732-737. Tabachnik, E., Muller, N. L., Levison, H., & Bryan, A. C. (1981). Chest Wall Mechanics and Pattern of Breathing During Sleep in Asthmatic Adolescents 1–2. American Review of Respiratory Disease, 124(3), 269-273. Read More