Asthma Flashcards
What pharmacological treatments are recommended for asthma management according to GINA guidelines?
According to GINA guidelines, recommended pharmacological treatments for asthma include: - Controller: Low-dose ICS-formoterol (e.g., Symbicort) - Reliever: Low-dose ICS-formoterol +/- SABA (e.g., salbutamol) - Oral therapy: Corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast) - Biologics: For severe cases (e.g., omalizumab)
What are the signs of severe or life-threatening asthma exacerbation?
Signs of severe or life-threatening asthma exacerbation include: - Use of accessory muscles - Tripoding or purse-lip breathing - Drowsiness or confusion - Peripheral or central cyanosis - Absent breath sounds - Tachycardia (pulse >130) - Pulsus paradoxus - Increased respiratory rate
What clinical parameters indicate the severity of asthma?
Clinical parameters indicating asthma severity include: - Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) - Respiratory rate - Heart rate - Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) results - Symptoms: ability to speak, cyanosis, exhaustion - Eosinophil count and CRP levels These help assess the patient’s condition and guide treatment.
What triggers bronchial hyper-responsiveness in asthma patients?
Bronchial hyper-responsiveness in asthma patients is triggered by: - Allergens (e.g., pollen, dust) - Air pollution - Viral infections - Exercise - Weather changes - Strong smells - Smoking - Food allergies These factors lead to airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
What is status asthmaticus, and why is it considered a medical emergency?
Status asthmaticus is a severe asthma attack that doesn’t respond to standard treatments. It is a medical emergency because it can lead to respiratory failure, hypoxia, and potentially death if not treated promptly. Immediate intervention is crucial to restore airflow and prevent complications.
What complications can arise from poorly managed asthma?
Complications from poorly managed asthma can include: - Severe asthma attacks - Respiratory failure - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - Lung infections - Reduced quality of life - Increased hospitalizations - Death from asthma-related causes
What lifestyle modifications can reduce asthma triggers at home?
To reduce asthma triggers at home: - Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke - Keep pets out of bedrooms - Use air purifiers to reduce dust and allergens - Regularly clean to minimize dust mites and mold - Avoid strong odors and pollutants - Monitor weather changes and plan activities accordingly
How can healthcare providers assess the severity of an asthma attack during physical examination?
Healthcare providers can assess asthma severity by: - Observing symptoms (e.g., ability to speak) - Measuring Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) - Checking respiratory rate - Evaluating heart rate and blood pressure - Analyzing arterial blood gas (ABG) results for oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
How does asthmatic airway disease differ from normal airway function?
Asthmatic airway disease differs from normal airway function in several ways: - Muscle Tightening: Airways constrict in asthma - Swollen Lining: Inflammation occurs - Mucus Production: Excess mucus in asthmatic airways - Airflow Limitation: Reduced airflow and bronchial hyper-responsiveness in asthma
What is the typical investigation plan to diagnose asthma?
The typical investigation plan for asthma includes: - Clinical history and physical exam - Peak flow diary (showing >20% variation) - Spirometry with reversibility testing (FEV1 increase after salbutamol) - Broncho-provocation challenge (histamine or methacholine) to assess hyper-responsiveness.
What factors contribute to the higher incidence of asthma in Western and urban societies?
Factors contributing to higher asthma incidence in Western and urban societies include: - Increased exposure to allergens and pollutants - Higher rates of atopy (e.g., eczema, hay fever) - Lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, sedentary behavior) - Better access to healthcare and diagnosis - Reduced exposure to diverse microbes in urban settings
What are the key clinical features of a patient presenting with asthma?
Key clinical features of asthma include: - Wheezing - Shortness of breath - Chest tightness - Coughing (especially at night or early morning) - Symptoms vary with triggers (e.g., exercise, allergens) and may worsen at night.
What is the relationship between allergic rhinitis and asthma?
Allergic rhinitis and asthma are closely related. Allergic rhinitis can trigger asthma symptoms, as both involve airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness. Individuals with allergic rhinitis are at higher risk of developing asthma due to shared risk factors and inflammatory pathways.
What is the significance of peak flow monitoring in asthma management?
Peak flow monitoring is significant in asthma management because it helps: - Track lung function over time - Identify worsening asthma before symptoms appear - Guide treatment decisions - Assess response to medications - Empower patients in self-management and awareness of their condition
How does childhood asthma prognosis differ from adult-onset asthma?
Childhood asthma often has a better prognosis than adult-onset asthma. Children may outgrow symptoms, while adult-onset asthma tends to be more persistent and severe. Additionally, childhood asthma is frequently linked to allergies, whereas adult asthma may involve more complex triggers and comorbidities.
