ASTHMA Flashcards
Asthma
overreaction of airways to innocuous stimuli - airways narrow and airflow is restricted
asthma cellular response
allergens trigger IgE production - granulation of mast cells - narrowing of airway, oedema and mucous secretion
airway narrowing cause
- bronchial smooth muscle constriction
- bronchial mucosal oedema
- excessive mucous secretion into airway lumen
asthma symptoms
cough
wheeze
shortness of breath
diurnal variation
difficulty breathing OUT
asthma triggers
allergy to environmental stimuli
infections
cold air
test to identify allergens
skin prick test
biphasic response
early response - asthma attack
recovery - seems fine
late response - gets worse
what asthmatic response do corticosteroids prevent
late response
core asthma drugs
- intermittent short acting beta-adrenergic agonists
- inhaled corticosteroids (low dose)
- inhaled corticosteroids (high dose)
- regular long acting beta-adrenergic agonists
- adjuvant therapy
adjuvant therapy
regular montelukast
pulsed oral steroid; prednisolone
biologic therapy
beta adrenergic agonists action
relax bronchial smooth muscle
protective against stimuli
short and long acting
long acting beta adrenergic agonists must be taken with
an inhaled steroid
most effective asthma tx
corticosteroids when inhaled
corticosteroid action
targets immune and epithelial cells
can you take beta adrenergic agonist and corticosteroid
If using short acting B2 agonist >3 times each week, use LOW DOSE inhaled corticosteroid every day
Move to HIGH DOSE inhaled corticosteroid if symptoms dictate
