Asthma Flashcards
what are the early symptoms of asthma
Wheezing (especially on expiration)
Prolonged expiration
Cough (worse at night or early morning)
Mild dyspnea & chest tightness
what are the late symptoms of asthma?
Severe dyspnea (unable to speak full sentences)
Accessory muscle use (retractions, nasal flaring)
Cyanosis (blue lips/nail beds)
“Silent Chest” (No wheezing = complete airway obstruction = medical emergency!)
Altered mental status (confusion, drowsiness, impending respiratory failure)
what triggers asthma?
Allergens (pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites)
Cold air & air pollution
Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA)
GERD (acid reflux can trigger bronchospasm)
Respiratory infections (viral colds, sinusitis)
Emotional stress
Medications (NSAIDs, aspirin, non-selective beta-blockers like propranolol)
how does spirometry with bronchodilator diagnosed asthma?
FEV₁ increase >12% confirms asthma
how does PEFR diagnose asthma?
Measures maximum airflow during forced exhalation → Used for daily monitoring
what does lab test show?
Elevated eosinophils & IgE → Allergic asthma
when are rescue (reliver) meds used?
for acute asthma attacks (fast relief)
what are the SABAs used for asthma?
Albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir) → First-line rescue medication for asthma attacks
Levalbuterol → Fewer side effects than albuterol
what are the risks of overusing SABAs?
Tachycardia, tremors, nervousness
Decreased effectiveness over time
Worsening asthma control
what are the anticholinergics (SAMA) used ?
Ipratropium (Atrovent) → Used in emergency settings (if SABA alone is ineffective)
when are systemic corticosteroids used?
Prednisone, methylprednisolone → Used for severe exacerbations
when are controller (maintenance) meds used?
for long-term asthma control & prevention of exacerbations
which inhaled corticosteroids are used for long-term control?
Fluticasone (Flovent), Budesonide (Pulmicort), Beclomethasone
Prevents inflammation & airway hyperresponsiveness
ICS Side Effect Prevention: Use a spacer & rinse mouth after use to prevent oral thrush
what LABAs are used ?
Salmeterol, Formoterol
Must be combined with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS/LABA combo, e.g., Advair, Symbicort, Dulera)
which leukotriene modifier (LTRAs) are used for allergic asthma>
Montelukast (Singulair)
which biologics are used for severe asthma that is not responsive to other meds
Omalizumab (Xolair) → Targets IgE (allergic asthma)
why is theophylline rarely used?
due to narrow therapeutic range & toxicity risk
why is peak flow monitoring important?
Detects early signs of worsening asthma before symptoms appear
Helps adjust medications before an asthma attack happens
how is a peak flow monitor used?
Exhale fully
Inhale deeply
Blow out as hard & fast as possible
Record the highest of 3 attempts
Compare to personal best & follow action plan
how do you reduce inhaler effects?
Use a spacer → Helps deliver more medication to the lungs & reduces thrush risk
Rinse mouth after using inhaled corticosteroids → Prevents oral thrush
when do you seek for help?
Silent chest (no wheezing) = Impending respiratory failure
Severe dyspnea (can’t speak in full sentences)
Cyanosis (blue lips, fingernails)
Accessory muscle use, nasal flaring, retractions
Altered mental status, confusion, drowsiness
what is the treatment for a severe asthma attack?
High-dose SABA (albuterol) via nebulizer
Ipratropium (Atrovent) added in ER settings
Systemic corticosteroids (IV methylprednisolone, oral prednisone)
Oxygen therapy & possible mechanical ventilation if severe
