Asthma

Question 1

What are common asthma triggers?

Answer 1

Exercise

Respiratory infection

Irritant exposure

Changes in weather/season

Allergen exposure

Question 2

Describe asthma signs and symptoms, timing, and history.

Answer 2

S/S are highly variable & include:
- wheeze
- chest tightness
- shortness of breath
- cough

Timing: Onset early/earlier in life
Timing: S/S occur or worsen:
- at night/early morning
- with:
- exercise
- viral infections
- exposure to irritants/allergens
- hard laughing/crying
- stress, etc.

History likely includes:
- atopic disease
- eczema
- allergic rhinitis

Question 3

What are the diagnostic criteria for asthma (>5 years old)?

Answer 3

Presence of asthma features:
- s/s
- timing
- history

Question 4

What are the signs/symptoms, timing, and history for asthma?

Answer 4

S/S are highly variable, may include:
- wheeze
- chest tightness
- shortness of breath
- cough

Timing:
- onset early/earlier in life
- s/s occur or worsen at night or early morning
- s/s occur or worsen with:
- exercise
- viral infections
- exposure to irritants/allergens
- hard laughing/crying
- stress, etc.

History likely includes:
- atopic disease
- eczema
- allergic rhinitis

Question 5

MILD ASTHMA: Define the frequency and describe the treatment.

Answer 5

Frequency of s/s: < or = 2 times per week

Treatment:
- Low-dose ICS PRN with SABA rescue inhaler PRN
—OR—
- Low-dose ICS with formoterol PRN aka SMART*

  *SMART = Single Maintenance And Relieving Therapy

Question 6

MODERATE ASTHMA: Define the frequency and describe the treatment.

Answer 6

Frequency of s/s: Daily pr most days despite ICS treatment

Treatment:
- Low dose ICS =========> Med-dose ICS + SABA rescue
—OR—
- Low-dose ICS =========> Low-dose ICS with LABA + SABA rescue
—OR—
- SMART ==============> Increased dose SMART

Question 7

SEVERE ASTHMA: Define the frequency and describe the treatment.

Answer 7

Frequency of s/s: Persistent despite MODERATE therapy

Treatment:
- Med-dose ICS =============> Med-dose ICS with LABA + SABA rescue
—OR—
- Low-dose ICS with LABA =====> Med-dose ICS with LABA + SABA rescue
—OR—
- Med-dose ICS with LABA =====> Med-dose ICS with LABA & LAMA + SABA rescue
—OR—
- SMART ===================> Increased dose SMART or SMART with LAMA