Asthma Flashcards
What is asthma?
Chronic inflammatory disease characterised by recurrent episodes of reversible airway narrowing
Asthma involves airway inflammation and can lead to difficulty in breathing.
What is the most common chronic disease in children and young adults?
Asthma
Asthma can occur at any age, but it predominantly affects younger populations.
What genetic factors are associated with asthma?
Family history of atopic conditions
Individuals with allergic asthma often have relatives with similar conditions.
Name two environmental factors that can contribute to asthma.
- Exposure to environmental allergens
- Maternal cigarette smoking
Exposure to allergens like dust mites and pets during critical childhood periods can increase asthma risk.
How do asthma symptoms typically present?
Patients are symptomatic in flare-ups and commonly asymptomatic otherwise
Flare-ups can involve cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and dyspnoea.
What are common symptoms during an asthma flare-up?
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Dyspnoea
Flare-ups can occur at night and may have identifiable precipitating factors.
What is occupational asthma?
Symptoms don’t improve at work, often seen in patients working in specific environments like bakery or animal handling
Occupational asthma is linked to environmental exposures in the workplace.
What is Samter syndrome?
Triad of asthma, aspirin sensitivity, and nasal polyps
This syndrome indicates a specific pattern of asthma presentation.
What is the initial investigation for asthma?
Clinical diagnosis and family history, with diagnostic tests including:
* Fraction of Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) test
* Spirometry
* Bronchodilator Reversibility (BDR) test
* Blood eosinophilic count
* Allergy tests
These tests help assess lung function and inflammation.
What does the Fraction of Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) test measure?
Amount of nitric oxide that is exhaled, indicating lung inflammation
Elevated nitric oxide levels can suggest asthma.
What is the purpose of the Bronchodilator Reversibility (BDR) test?
Shows if airways open up with bronchodilator medicines
This test helps determine the effectiveness of bronchodilators in asthma management.
What should be assessed in the initial management of asthma?
- Baseline asthma status
- Routine immunisations
- Trigger/allergen avoidance
- Specialist referral for occupational asthma
- Anxiety and depression
Comprehensive management includes evaluating overall health and mental well-being.
What is prescribed as reliever therapy for symptomatic asthma?
Inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) (blue inhaler)
SABAs provide quick relief from asthma symptoms.
When should inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) be prescribed?
For all people who need to use SABA 3x weekly or have symptoms 3x weekly, or are woken at night from symptoms 1x weekly
ICS serve as a preventer therapy to reduce inflammation.
True or False: An asthma action plan is part of initial management.
True
An asthma action plan helps patients manage their condition effectively.
