Asthma Flashcards
condition that makes it hard to exhale all of the air in the lungs
asthma
other obstructive lung diseases
COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis)
bronchiectasis
CF
is asthma acute or chronic
chronic
is asthma reviersible or irreversible?
reversible
what is the most chronic disease of childhood?
asthma
signs/symptoms of asthma
wheezing coughing SOB chest tightness/pain other non-specific symptoms in infants/young children
Hx of the following in young children with asthma
recurrent bronchitis pneumonia recurrent croup bronchiolitis persistent cough/cold
the problem in asthma
airway remodeling after long term unresolved inflammation
airway remodeling in asthma
increased airway wall thickness that involves both smooth muscle and collagen tissue
increase mucous glands and mucus production
increased vascularity or blood blood supply in the airways
pathophys of asthma
airway inflammation –> bronchial hyperresponsive –> persistent airflow obstruction
step 1 airway inflammation
mast cell, eosinophil, and T-lymphocyte infiltration
mucus hypersecretion
desquamation of epithelium
smooth muscle hyperplasia
main inflammatory cells of asthma
mast cells eosinophils T lymphocytes >100 inflammatory mediators chemokines cytokines histamines
how does mediator release occur
Chemically-rich mast cells that line the bronchial mucus membranes release histamine or other mediators which causes bronchospasm and bronchial inflammation
step 2: bronchial hyperresponsiveness
hyperinflation compensates for inflammation
result is alveolar hypeventilation and air trapping
step 3: persistent airflow obstruction
chronic mucous plug formation (exudate of serum proteins and cell debris) airway remodeling (structural changes due to long-standing inflammation)
risk factors for asthma
males childhood asthma evironmental allergens/pollutants (dust mites, cat & dog, fungi, tobacco smoke) viral respiratory tract infections exercise, hyperventilation GERD chronic sinusitis/rhinitis African American ASA/NSAID hypersensitivity medication use (tylenol, abx, beta blockers) obesity emotional factors/stress irritants perinatal factors (prematurity and prenatal exposure to maternal smoking)
ASA induced asthma
triad: atopy, nasal polyps, ASA sensitivity
when is ASA induced asthma experienced?
30s-40s
signs/symptoms of ASA asthma
rhinorrhea
conjunctival irritation
flushing of head/neck
treatment of ASA asthma
avoidance
leukotriene antagonist
why does GERD induce asthma
presence of acid in distal esophagus
mediated via vagal nerve increases airway resistance and reactivity
how much more likely are pts who have asthma to have gerd?
3x
how to treat gerd induced asthma?
treat GERD
when is rhinovirus a risk factor for wheezing?
infancy
what percent of childhood asthma is associated with prior viral exposure?
80-95%
what 4 pathogens were found in >50% of children ages 7-9 who later had asthma?
pneumonia
RSV
mycoplasma
chlamydia
high risk occupations to develop asthma?
farming
painting
janitorial work
plastic manufacturing
what does exercise induce?
bronchospasm
can exercise induced asthma be found in patients with normal spirometry?
YES
atopy or CF
why is exercised induced asthma a neglected diagnosis?
silent in 50% of patients except during exercise
when is weight gain associated with increased risk of asthma symptoms?
early infancy
what kind of predisposition does atopy increase risk of asthma?
genetic predisposition
types of atopic diseases
allergic rhinitis
atopic dermatitis (eczema)
urticaria
+ allergen skin tests
what family histories increase risk of asthma
asthma allergies sinusitis rhinitis eczema nasal polyps
3 important social history questions for asthma
smoking
workplace
school
how do nocturnal symptoms of asthma occur
bronchospasm between 4-6am
important Hx quetsions regarding exacerbations
prodrome signs/symptoms rapidity of onset associated illnesses # of exacerbations within the last year need for ED visits, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, intubations missed days from work or school activity limitation
goals of initial visit? (5)
- diagnose asthma
- assess asthma severity
- initiate medications and demonstrate use
- develop written asthma action plan
- schedule follow-up appointment
what value indicates obstruction
low FEV1/FVC
what is the best indicator of severity?
FEV1
what is change of FEV1 from personal best (in terms of percentages and stable –> severe)
50% severe
what does CXR appear like with asthma?
normal
pH and CO2 of ABG?
pH down
CO2 up
are obstructions reversible?
partially
wheezing Ddx
upper airway obstruction (tumor or edema) endobronchial foreign body or CA acute LV failure recurrent PE chronic bronchitis
goals of asthma treatment
prevent of chronic symptoms daily controller agent for persistent dz maintain normal activity levels prevent recurrent exacerbations initiate therapy at aggressive level and step down drugs when control is achieved
meds used for exacerbations or emergencies
rescue meds
meds used to prevent exacerbations
controller meds
what is important for determining which medication to use?
classification of asthma
6 criterion for asthma classification
symptoms nighttime awakenings short-acting beta2 agonist use interference with normal activity lung function exacerbations requiring oral systemic corticosteriods
four classifications of asthma
intermittent persistent mild moderate severe
MOA of SABAs
beta agonist
relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and inhibits release of immediate hypersensitivity mediators from mast cells
indications for SABAs
adults and kids
acute asthma exacerbations
exercise-induced asthma prophylaxis
what drug shouldn’t you use with beta blockers?
SABAs
adverse effects of SABAs
tachycardia URI pharyngitis nausea **a fib **hypokalemia
generic SABA
albuterol
brand name SABA
ventolin
proventil
pregancy category of SABAs
C
clinical teaching for SABAs
adverse effects proper inhalation rinsing wash mouthpiece controller therapy if needed >2x/week
3 doses that inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are available in
low- dose
medium-dose
high-dose