1. Acute asthma Flashcards
1
Q
How common is it?
A
5-8% of population
2
Q
Who does it affect?
A
F slightly more than M
Most commonly diagnosed in teens / young adults
3
Q
What causes it?
A
Bronchial muscle contraction
Mucosal swelling / inflammation
Increased mucus production
Variety of triggers eg exercise, cold air, allergens, infection
4
Q
What risk factors are there?
A
History of atopy
FH
5
Q
What signs may the patient have on examination?
A
Tachypnoea Audible wheeze Hyper-inflated chest Hyper-resonant percussion note Low FEV1 and PEF
6
Q
How would you investigate?
A
Peak flow
ABG if sats <92
CXR
FBC, U+E
7
Q
What treatments are there?
A
Salbutamol 5mg nebulized with o2
Prednisolone 40mg
Monitor o2, HR, BP
8
Q
What complications are there?
A
Severe exacerbations –> death
Fatigue
Prone to infections eg pneumonia
