Asthma Flashcards
Asthma - Pathophysiology
- IgE activation > IR in airways > excessive mucus production > bronchoconstriction
-
Trapping air > hyperinflation of lungs
The obstruction occurs because the mast cells release histamines and leukotrienes which causes inflammation or airway hyper-responsiveness
Asthma - Hospital Treatment
-
Steroids
> bronchodilators (inhalers)
> SABA: acute exacerbations
> LABA: prevent exacerbations, maintenance - Possible intubation
Asthma Attack Triggers
- Allergens
- Irritants
- Exercise
- Cold air
- Colds/infections
- Food additives
- Animals
- Medications
- Strong emotions
Asthma Lab Tests - Pulmonary Function Test
Spirometry testing assesses the presence and degree of disease & can determine the response to treatment
Asthma Lab Tests - Peak Expiratory Flow Rate Measurement
Measures maximum flow of air tht can be forcefully exhaled in 1 second; child uses a peak expiratory comparison at other times, such as during and after an asthma attack
Asthma Lab Tests - Skin Testing
Done to identify specific allergens
Asthma Lab Tests - Exercise Challenges
Exercise is used to identify the occurence of exercise-induced bronchospasm
Asthma Lab Tests - Chest Radiograph
May show hyperexpansion of airways
Asthma Medications - SABA
- Short-acting beta2-agonist
- Rescue inhaler
- EX: albuterol
- if going through 2+ inhalers = poorly controlled
Asthma Medications - ICS
- Inhaled corticosteroid
-
EX
> Solumedrol
> flovent
Asthma Medications - LABA
- Long-acting Beta2-agonist
-
EX
> formoterol (Foradil)
> salmeterol -
Leukotriene modifier can be used instead of LABA
> Montelukast/Singulair
Asthma Medications - Oral
-
Oral systemic cortocsteroid
> Dexamethasone (also IM)
> Prednisone
rescue
Asthma Quick Relief - Rescue Medications
-
Short Acting B2 agonists
> for bronchodilation
> albuterol, levalbuterol, terbutaline -
Anticholinergics
> block the parasympathetic nervous system, for relief of acute bronchospasm
> atropine, ipratropium -
Systemic Corticosteroids
> for anti-inflammatory action to treat reversible airflow obstruction
Asthma Long-Term Control - Prevent Attacks
-
Inhaled Corticosteroids
> for anti-inflammatory action -
Long-Acting B2 agonists
> for long-acting bronchodilation -
Leukotriene modifiers
> to prevent bronchospasm & inflammatory cell infiltration -
Monoclonal antibody
> blocks binding of IgE to mast cells to inhibit inflammation - Antiallergy meds
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Does status asthmaticus require hospitalization
Yes, the original treatment method is not working
