Asthma Flashcards
Asthma vs COPD:
Which one is REVERSIBLE?
ASTHMA
What is Asthma?
A chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation of the bronchiole tubes and variable episodes of AIRFLOW OBSTRUCTION.
What 5 factors can cause an Asthma attack?
- Positive family history (genetics)
- High pollen counts, mold, pet dander
- Climate changes
- Air pollution
- Occupational factors (Chemicals, foods, compounds)
Is airflow obstruction in asthma usually reversible?
Yes, it is usually reversible with treatment or spontaneously.
What are the 3 HALLMARK signs of an asthma attack?
- Cough
- Dyspnea: hard getting air OUT- not in
- Wheezing: turbulent airflow in narrowed tubes
What are 5 LATE SIGNS of Asthma
- Chest tightness
- Diaphoresis: excessive sweating
- Tachycardia: HR >100
- Widened PULSE pressure: Syst - Dyast = __
- Hypoxemia: very severe stages
Q: What 2 things must we determine FIRST in order to DIAGNOSE asthma?
Determine an airflow obstruction is present and if it is at least partially reversible
- What “at least partially reversible” means: the obstruction in the airways can improve significantly after administering a bronchodilator, but it might not return to completely normal function. This characteristic helps differentiate asthma from other respiratory conditions.
4 common accompanying conditions in Asthma
(Occur with asthma)
- Viral infections
- GERD
- Eczema- KNOW
- rashes
Sputum & Blood Test for Asthma
List the 2 main ones
- Elevated Eosinophils (WBC)
- Elevated IgE: causes inflammation
Stages of ABG’s in Asthma:
Q: At FIRST, what do arterial blood gas (ABG) results typically show in asthma?
hypocapnia and respiratory alkalosis.
- hypocapnia: Low levels of PaCO2 (below 35 mmHg)
ABG’s in Asthma:
What shows LATER in ABGs during an asthma attack?
Increased PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) & respiratory acidosis
- CO2 is acid to the body
Q: What does a NORMAL PaCO2 level indicate during an asthma attack?
A: It may signal impending respiratory failure.
- It suggests that the patient may NOT be effectively ventilating and could be losing the ability to breathe adequately.
Which assessment finding would be MOST CONCERNING in a patient having an asthma attack?
a. Inspiratory wheezing
b. Productive cough
c. Tachycardia
d. Expiratory wheezing
a. Inspiratory wheezing
(high-pitched, musical sound that occurs during INHALATION)
- It suggests a more severe degree of airway obstruction and may indicate impending respiratory failure or significant respiratory distress.
ASTHMA:
What tests do you anticipate the HCP ordering?
List 5 tests
- Pulmonary function tests (spirometry)
- Methacholine challenge **
- Peak flow monitoring
- Chest x-ray: rules out other dx
- Allergy testing
What is the Methacholine challenge?
- test is performed to evaluate how “reactive” or “responsive” your lungs are- INDUCES asthma attack
- inhale doses of methacholine, a drug that can cause narrowing of the airways.
- A breathing test will be repeated after each dose of methacholine to measure the degree of narrowing or constriction of the airways
What does chest tightening indicate in asthma?
the bronchioles are constricting, making it harder for air to move through the lungs.
2 ways to prevent Asthma attack?
- Eliminate asthma triggers if possible
- Take meds as prescribed!
What are some serious complications of asthma?
List 3
- Status asthmaticus
- Respiratory failure
- Pneumonia
Define:
severe, prolonged asthma attack that does not respond to standard treatments like bronchodilators.
Status asthmaticus
Define:
During asthma attack, lungs can no longer provide adequate oxygen or remove enough carbon dioxide, resulting in life-threatening hypoxia or hypercapnia
Respiratory Failure
Define:
A lung bacterial infection that can develop due to increased mucus production during asthma attack and impaired airway clearance.
pneumonia
2 types of RELIEF medicatiins for asthma
(not cure it)
- Quick Relief Medications: Immediate RELIEF
- Long Acting Medications: MAINTAINS control of presistent asthma: used only if #1 doesnt work
KNOW RELIEF & MAINTAIN
Asthma/COPD:
List the 3 CLASSES of INHALED meds
- Beta Adrenergic Agonists
- Anticholinergics (muscarinic antagonists)
- ICS – Inhaled Corticosteroids
There are 2 TYPES of Beta Adrenergic Agonist
- SABA – Short Acting B2-Adrenergic Agonists
- LABA – Long Acting B2-Adrenergic Agonists
Both SABA’s and LABA’s end in
“ol”
Asthma Inhaled Meds:
Name the 2 Inhaled SABA meds (short acting)
- Albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir)
- Levalbuterol (Xopenex)
Asthma Inhaled Meds:
List the 3 Inhaled LABA meds (long acting)
- Salmeterol (Serevent)
- Formoterol (Foradil)
- Arformoterol (Brovana)
2nd Class of Inhalers for Asthma/COPD:
There are 2 TYPES of Anticholinergics (muscarinic antagonists)
- SAMA – Short Acting Muscarinic Antagonist
- LAMA – Long Acting Muscarinic Antagonist
- block the action of acetylcholine, which leads to bronchodilation.
SAMAs and LAMAs end in
“ium”
One medication that falls under SAMA
Ipratropium (Atrovent)
2 Meds that fall under LAMA
- Tiotropium (Spiriva)
- Umeclidinium (Incruse Ellipta)
3rd Class of Inhalers for Asthma/COPD:
2 MEDS that fall under ICS
(no types)
- Fluticasone (Flovent, Arnuity Ellipta)
- Budesonide (Pulmacort)
If Inhaled Meds DONT work we use SECOND meds in line
Name the 2 classes NEXT in line:
- Corticosteroids: non-inhaled
- Monoclonal Antibodies
Non-inhaled Corticosteroids end in
“one”