asthma Flashcards
It is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways.
Asthma
Chronically inflamed airways are hyperresponsive; they become obstructed and airflow is limited (by bronchoconstriction; mucus plugs; and increased inflammation) when airways are exposed to various risk factors
It is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath.
Asthma
Asthma cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled.
Because asthma often changes over time, it’s important that you work with your doctor to track and symptoms and adjust your treatment as needed.
Causes of Asthma
• Respiratory irritants [dust and noxious chemicals]
• Exercise [particularly in cold weather]
• Respiratory Tract infections
• Aspirin and related dugs
• Allergy to foreign proteins [pollen and animal dander]
Used in the diagnosis of Asthma
• Spirometry
• Peak expiratory flow (PEF)
Drug Treatment of Asthma Relievers
• Short Acting Beta2 Agonist
• Anticholinergics
• Short Acting Theophylline, Aminophylline 9 Theophylline + Ethylenediamine
Asthma Controllers
• Glucocorticosteroids
• Mast Cell Stabilizer
• Antileukotrienes/ Leukotriene modifiers
• Long-acting Beta2 agonists
• Combination Therapy
• Immunomodulators
SABA drugs
• Terbutaline
• Albuterol/Salbutamol
• Fenoterol
• Levalbuterol
• Metaproterenol
• Pirbuterol
SABA Side effects
Tachycardia
Skeletal muscle tremor
Headache and irritability: at very high dose hyperglycemia; hypokalemia
Anticholinergic Drugs
• Ipratropium bromide
• Oxitropium bromide
Anticholinergic Drugs Side Effects
Mouth Dryness
It inhibits phosphodiesterase—–increase cAMP—–bronchodilation
Short-acting theophylline, aminophylline 9 theophylline + ethylenediamine 2:1)
Short-Acting Theophylline Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
At higher serum concentration: Seizures, Tachycardia, and Arrhythmia
Short-Acting Theophylline Therapeutic Range
5-15 mcg/ml
