Asthma

Question 1

What is asthma?

Answer 1

A condition characterised by intermittent, reversible, airway obstruction.

Chronic inflammation of the bronchi, making them narrower.

The muscles around the bronchi become irritated and constrict causing sudden worsening.

Mucous membranes produce more mucous.

Worse on exhalation - more passive

Question 2

Signs & symptoms of mild/moderate asthma

Answer 2

Able to speak in full sentences
Increasing symptoms
PEF - 50-75% of best or predicted
No features of acute or severe
HR & RR elevated

Question 3

Signs and symptoms of severe acute asthma

Answer 3

Unable to complete sentences
PEF - 33-50% best or expected
HR - >110 adults/125 over 5/140 over 2
RR - >25 adults/>30 over 5/ >40 over 2

Question 4

Signs and symptoms of life threatening asthma

Answer 4

Raised end tidal and/or requiring mechanical ventillation
Altered consciousness
Exhaustion/arrhythmia/hypotension/cyanosis/silent chest
PEF < 33% of best or predicted
Sats <92%
Abnormal end tidal (outside of 4.6 - 6.0)

Question 5

Management of asthma

Answer 5

Full set of obs
Capnography
Peak flow
ECG
O2 if hypoxic
Salbutamol
Ipratropium
Paramedic for IM adrenalin, hydrocortisone

Question 6

Asthma medications

Answer 6

Becotide

Ventolin