Asthma Flashcards
What are some s/s of asthma?
On-and-off nature of symptoms**
- Dyspnea/chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Tachypnea/cardia
- Hypoxemia
- Airflow obstruction on PFT
- Bronchial hyperresponsiveness
SABA side effects
Adrenergic stuff
- Tremor
- Shakiness
- Lightheadedness
- Cough
- Palpitations
- Hypokalemia
- Tachycardia
- Hyperglycemia
ICS side effects
- Growth concerns in young children
- Hyperglycemia, fracture risk
- Oropharyngeal candidiasis**
- Dysphonia**
Use lowest dose possible and decrease dose 25-50% after stable for 3 months
ICS pearls
Monotherapy for control only
- Counsel to rinse and spit after use
- Avoid DPIs in children <4
- NEVER shake DPIs, but shake MDIs
- Avoid DPIs in milk allergy
- Budesonide nebulizer preferred in children <4
Which ICS has less thrush/hoarseness?
Ciclesonide
Which ICS has more thrush/hoarseness?
Fluticasone
Which ICS inhalers are MDIs that do not need to be shaken?
Qvar RediHaler (Beclomethasone)
Ciclesonide (Alvesco)
Which ICS is preferred in children <4?
Budesonide nebulized
Probably asthma > COPD when…
- Multiple symptoms
- Symptoms vary over time (worse at night/early morning)
- Identifiable triggers
Probably COPD > asthma when…
- Chronic sputum production
- Isolated cough
- SOB -> dizziness, lightheadedness, tingling
- Chest pain
- Exercise-induced dyspnea with stridor
How to assess asthma control
- Symptom control
- Risk factors
Symptom control questions
Daytime asthma symptoms more than twice per week?
Any night awakening due to asthma?
Reliever (not including ICS/formoterol) used for symptoms (not prior to exercise) more than twice per week?
Any activity limitation due to asthma?
Symptom control scores
Well controlled - 0
Partially controlled - 1-2
Uncontrolled - 3-4
Risk factors for exacerbation
- No ICS
- Poor adherence/technique
- High SABA use
- Comorbidities
- Smoking, allergens, pollution
- Major socioeconomic problems
- Low FEV1
- Sputum/eos
- Previous exacerbation (esp. if intubated)
Additional risk factor for fixed airflow limitation
Preterm/LBW