Asthma Flashcards
how common is asthma in children?
5-10% will have it
how common in asthma in adults?
2-5% of adults will have asthma
why does the airway narrow in asthma patients?
- bronchial smooth muscle constriction
- bronchial mucosal oedema
- excessive mucous secretion into the airway lumen
small radius changes can lead to?
large effects on airflow
what are the symptoms of asthma?
- cough
- wheeze
- shortness of breath (acute attack)
- diurnal variation
- difficulty breathing OUT and lungs fill with air
what tracks any airway resistance?
peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)
what are some of the common triggers for asthma?
- infections
- environmental stimuli (dust, smoke, chemicals)
- cold air
- atopy (allergic to a range of environmental stimuli)
what is the early and late asthma response known as?
asthma biphasic response
how does the asthma biphasic response relate to a patient suffering an asthma attack in clinic?
patients that suffer a SEVERE asthma attack in clinic should be sent to A&E to prevent condition worsening later on! (will be given corticosteroids at hospital)
what asthma drugs are used in mild conditions?
- Intermittent short acting Beta-adrenergic Agonist
2. Inhaled Corticosteroids (low dose)
what drugs are used in patients with moderate asthma?
- Inhaled Corticosteroids (high dose)
- Regular LONG-ACTING beta-adrenergic agonist
ALONGSIDE MILD ASTHMA DRUGS
what is then used in patients where medications dont seem to help?
adjuvant therapy
what is the function of beta-adrenergic agonists?
to relax the bronchial smooth muscle
- reduce bronchoconstriction
- reduce resting bronchial tone
what type of beta-adrenergic agonists are there?
- short acting
- long acting
what is the function of a SHORT ACTING beta-adrenergic agonist?
‘reliever drug’ (used during acute attack)
