ASTHMA Flashcards
1
Q
Asthma
A
- REVERSIBLE obstruction of the airways
- It is a chronic inflammatory disease
- Associated with a FHx asthma
2
Q
Asthma symptoms
A
Due to bronchoconstriction (constriction of airways)
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- SOB
3
Q
Diagnosis
A
- Presence of asthma symptoms
- FHx
- Reversibility test using spirometer
- PEF
- FeNO
- Blood tests - inflammatory markers
4
Q
Order of diagnosis test for age 17 and over
A
- FeNO
- Spirometry
- BDR if spirometry shows obstruction
- if uncertainty remains = peak flow
5
Q
Order of diagnosis test for age 5 to 15
A
- Spirometry
- Consider BDR if spirometry shows obstruction
- If child is unable to perform objective tests = observation and clinical judgement
6
Q
Reversibility test using a spirometer
A
- 5+
- FEV1/FVC ratio less than 70% suggests asthma
7
Q
PEF
A
- Patient blows through a peak flow meter
- They do that over 2-4 weeks and keep a diary
8
Q
FeNO
A
- 17+
- Confirms eosinophilic airway inflammation
- NO levels increased in the breath of asthmatics
- If it is high >35 ppb = +
9
Q
Testing blood for inflammatory markers
A
e.g. Eosiniphils and IgE
10
Q
How do you diagnose
Asthma in children under 5 years?
A
- Can’t use reverse spirometry
- Clinical observation and judgement
11
Q
Aims of treatment for asthma
A
- No daytime symptoms
- No night-time awakening due to asthma,
- No asthma attacks
- No need for rescue medication
- No limitations on activity including exercise
- Normal lung function (FEV, and/or PEF > 80% predicted or best)
- Minimal side-effects from treatment
12
Q
What are the lifestyle changes for asthma?
A
- Weight loss in overweight patients may lead to an improvement in asthma symptoms
- Stop smoking
- Breathing exercise programmes
13
Q
Types of asthma
A
- Acute (asthma attack)
- Chronic
14
Q
What age is considered an “Adult” for the management of asthma?
A
NICE
- 17 years old AND over
15
Q
Age categories
A
- Adult
- NICE: 17yrs and over
- BTS: >12yrs - Child
- 5 years and over - Child < 5yr
