Asthma Flashcards
which part of lungs are affected in asthma
bronchioles
what medications can trigger asthma
NSAIDs
aspirin
BBs
what 3 tests can be used for asthma diagnosis
spirometry
peak flow
FeNO test
when in the day is peak flow readings lower in asthma
lower in mornings than evenings
what is the pattern of peak flow readings in asthmatics and how can this be recorded
peak flow diary
low and variable over several days
what is FEV1
the amount of air you can blow out in 1 second
what is FVC
the total amount of air you can blow out in one breath
how are FVC and FEV1 used in asthma diagnosis
FEV1:FVC ratio calculated
if it is low you have narrowed airways
then given reliever inhaler
if FEV1:FVC improves this is typical of asthma
does a normal FEV1:FVC ratio rule out asthma
no
could be that the person does not have symptoms at the time of testing
what is the FeNO test and what does it measure
fractional exhaled nitrous oxide test
measures levels of nitric oxide in breath
what are FeNO results in asthma
increased nitrous oxide exhaled due to lung inflammation and asthma
how is asthma managed in under 5s
they can’t be diagnosed as they can’t carry out the tests
so are treated based on symptoms until old enough to diagnose
when is a preventer inhaler advised
if reliever is required more than 3 times a week
what type of drug is a preventer inhaler
often a steroid
MoA of reliever inhaler
relaxes muscle
