Sputum Mask, 2024

Title

Sputum Mask, 2024

Description

Artist statement:
The last thing I wanted to create was a propaganda or surface level poster regarding the subject so my main challenge was to create an engaging piece without having it feel like preaching. My approach was to showcase the chaos that the patient will run into as the disease progresses. I used acrylic and paint markers to resemble the sputum that is present in patients with chronic bronchitis. I also incorporated thorns and sharp imagery within the trachea as a connection to an audience that might not be able to relate to patients with this disease. The main cause of CB is outside factors such as tobacco so I painted a grim picture that had subtle hints as to the outcome of those vices.

Medical condition description:
Chronic Bronchitis is a respiratory disorder characterized by inflamed bronchioles caused by irritants such as cigarette smoke. It leads to permanent structural changes in your airway which impact your quality of life, especially in aging adults. This disease manifests with a productive cough and sputum production along with fatigue and shortness of breath that can impede activities of daily living. Since chronic bronchitis is not curable, Li et al. (2022) advises that you manage your symptoms through smoking cessation to reduce the number of acute COPD exacerbations you might have. Self-soothing techniques such as taking on a tripod position during dyspneic episodes, leaning forward with arms resting on your knees, can greatly improve breathing. According to Khan et al. (2023), this positioning works by, “Lifting the shoulder girdle...restoring the diaphragm's normal shape and function”. These techniques can help you manage and improve your respiratory system. 

Subject

Bronchitis

Creator

Sandoval, Gebbar

Date

2024

Contributor

Asonye, Michelle; Perez, Brenda; Sappayani, Jasser; Notarte, Krissy; E., Ngozi

Rights

In Copyright- This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en

Format

Mixed media on paper ; 11 x 15 in.