Asthma Flashcards

1
Q

What is asthma?

A

a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways

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2
Q

Is inflammation caused by asthma irreversible?

A

Reversible

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3
Q

What are the common symptoms of asthma?

A

Shortness of breath, wheeze, dyspnoea

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4
Q

Asthma is often worse at night. True or false?

A

True

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5
Q

What are the aims of treatment of asthma?

A

minimise side effects, no need for rescue meds, control symptoms including nocturnal and exercise induced, prevent exacerbations, achieve best possible lung function

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6
Q

Give examples of non-pharmacological management of asthma

A

avoid exposure to allergens, stop smoking, breastfeeding – reduces chances of baby developing, reduce weight if obese, avoid NSAIDs and B blockers, Avoid exercise in cold air

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7
Q

What are SABAs? Give an example

A

SABAs are relievers and include salbutamol and terbutaline

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8
Q

What does ICS do? Give an example

A

They are preventers and include beclomethasone

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9
Q

What are LABAs? Give some examples

A

LABAs are controllers and include salmeterol and eformoterol

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10
Q

Is coordination needed for the use of nebulisers?

A

No

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11
Q

Formeterol is both a reliever and a controller. True or false?

A

True

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12
Q

What are some ADRs for B-agonists?

A

hypokalaemia, tremor, tachycardia, peripheral vasodilation

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13
Q

Is prednisolone an inhaled corticosteroid?

A

No oral

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14
Q

What is the route of admin for beclomethasone?

A

Inhalation

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15
Q

What is the route of admin for hydrocortisone?

A

IV

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16
Q

Under what conditions is an ICS used?

A

Exacerbation of asthma in last 2 years, Using inhaled B2 agonist more than 3 times a week, Symptomatic more than 3 times a week, Waking 1 night per week

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17
Q

Hoarseness is an ADR of oral corticosteroids. True or false?

A

No, inhaled

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18
Q

Osteoporosis is an ADR of oral corticosteroids. True or false?

A

True

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19
Q

Hyperglycaemia is an ADR of inhaled corticosteroids. True or false?

A

False, oral

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20
Q

Does use of B2 agonists cause hyperkalaemia or hypokalaemia?

A

hypokalaemia

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21
Q

Give two examples of leukotriene antagonists used in asthma treatment

A

Montelukast & Zafirlukast

22
Q

Name 2 ADRs of leukotriene antagonists

A

Thirst, Rash, sleep disturbance

23
Q

Which group of drugs does Theophylline belong to?

A

Methylxanthines

24
Q

Is Theophylline administered IV?

A

No, oral

25
Q

Do methylxanthines have a narrow therapeutic window and what is that range?

A

yes, 10-20mg/ml

26
Q

What effect does smoking have on the clearance of methylxanthines?

A

It increases clearance and therefore reduces plasma levels of methylxanthines meaning an increased dose is needed for same therapeutic effect if patient smokes

27
Q

What effect does obesity have on the clearance and plasma levels of methylxanthines?

A

reduces clearance and therefore increases plasma levels

28
Q

Name a cromone used in the treatment of asthma

A

Nedocromil

29
Q

Nedocromil is a preventer used in the treatment of which age group?

A

5-12 y/o

30
Q

Which immunosuppressants are used in the treatment of asthma?

A

Methotrexate and ciclosporin

31
Q

Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that is offered to all asthma patients. True or false?

A

False, patient has to meet specialist criteria

32
Q

How is omalizumab administered?

A

S/C

33
Q

PEF is independent of age, sex and height. True or false?

A

False, dependent

34
Q

What four features determine if asthma is acute & severe?

A

PEF<50%, ability to talk, RR>25, HR>110

35
Q

What indicates that asthma is life-threatening?

A

PEF<50%, RR>25, HR>110 PLUS: silent chest, bradycardia, confusion, difficulty speaking full sentences

36
Q

Theophylline is a salt of aminophylline. True or false?

A

false, aminophylline is a salt of theophylline and can be administered orally/IV

37
Q

What is the immediate treatment that is required for acute severe asthma?

A

oxygen at the highest possible conc: 40-60%, B-agonist nebuliser or multiple doses via spacer, Corticosteroid: 40mg prednisolone or 100mg hydrocortisone IV

38
Q

What does step 1 BTS/SIGN guidelines for adults asthma state?

A

low dose ICS

39
Q

What does step 2 BTS/SIGN guidelines for adults asthma state?

A

Add LABA to low dose ICS (usually a combination inhaler)

40
Q

What does step 3 BTS/SIGN guidelines for adults asthma state?

A

Increase ICS to medium dose, continue LABA, consider trialing LTRA SR theophylline, LAMA

41
Q

What does step 4 BTS/SIGN guidelines for adults asthma state?

A

Increase ICS to high dose and add a fourth drug: LTRA, SR theophylline, B agonist tablet, LAMA

42
Q

What does step 5 BTS/SIGN guidelines for adults asthma state?

A

Continuous or frequent use of oral steroid. Consider other treatment to minimise use of steroid tablet

43
Q

What is step 1 in BTS/SIGN child asthma?

A

Very low dose ICS or if child is under 5 LTRA

44
Q

What does step 2 in BTS/SIGN child asthma state?

A

Very low dose ICS and if child is under 5 add: LTRA

45
Q

What does step 3 in BTS/SIGN child asthma state?

A

If no response to LABA stop and increase ICS to low dose

Response to LABA, but inadequate - Cont LABA, increase ICS to low dose

Response to LABA, but inadequate, cont LABA and ICS, and consider LTRA

46
Q

What does step 4 BTS/SIGN child asthma state?

A

Increase ICS to med dose and consider addition of fourth drug SR theophylline

47
Q

What does step 5 BTS/SIGN child asthma state?

A

Daily use of steroid tab, maintain med dose ICS, consider other treatment to reduce

48
Q

Which inflammatory cell is involved in asthma?

A

Eosinophils

49
Q

What are the advantages of xanthines in the treatment of asthma?

A

Increase endogenous cAMP
Enhance B2 agonist effects
Antagonists at adenosine receptors

50
Q

What are the aims of treatment for chronic asthma?

A

Control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, no need for rescue meds, achieve best possible lung function tests

51
Q

Airway obstruction contributing to increased airflow resistance and hypoventilation in asthma is caused by?

A

mucous secretion, bronchoconstriction and airway oedema

52
Q

Airway hyper-responsiveness in asthma is related to what?

A

Exposure to an allergen causing mast cell degranulation