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Immunology > Asthma > Flashcards

Asthma Flashcards

1
Q

What are the 10 factors that contribute to hyper-responsiveness of the airways in an asthmatic episode?

A
  1. Inflammatory cell infiltration (eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes)
  2. goblet cell hypertrophy
  3. mucus hypersecretion
  4. loss of ciliated epithelium
  5. mucus hypersecretion
  6. squamous metaplasia
  7. destruction of alveolar walls
  8. peribronchial fibrosis
  9. airway edema
  10. mast cell activation
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2
Q

What is the pathophysiology of airflow obstruction? (3)

A

Airway narrowing –> decreased resistance
Loss of elastic recoil of the lungs
Inflammation of airways

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3
Q

Which cells are involved in the inflammation responsible for asthma?

A

mast cells, macrophages, eosinophils, T-cells, epithelial cells

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4
Q

What is the mast cell’s involvement in asthma?

A

They initiate arousal condition in IgE receptors

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5
Q

What is the eosinophil’s involvement in asthma?

A

releases granular protein that damages bronchial epithelium and promotes airway hyperresponsiveness

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6
Q

What are the lymphocytes’ involvement in asthma?

A

produce cytokines, leukotriene B4, C4, prostaglandin and histamine

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7
Q

Describe how leukotrienes are involved in the inflammation of asthma

A

Leukotrienes are potent inflammatory mediators.
They increase vascular permeability (edema), increase mucus production, decrease mucociliary transport, and recruit other inflammatory cells. One leukotriene, LTD4 is a potent bronchoconstrictor.

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8
Q

Is the primary problem in asthma inflammation or bronchospasm?

A

Inflammation. Bronchspasm occurs secondary to inflammation.

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9
Q

Which class of medications work by relaxing the smooth muscle of the bronchioles?

A

beta 2 agonists, for example albuterol

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10
Q

The four characteristics of asthma

A

reversible airflow obstruction
variable and recurring symptoms
bronchial hyper-responsiveness
underlying inflammation

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11
Q

List some nonspecific asthma triggers

A

exercise, URI’s, rhinosinusitis, postnasal drip, aspiration, GE reflux, changes in weather, stress, tobacco smoke, ozone, Tartrazine dye, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

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12
Q

What are the four main symptoms of asthma?

A

coughing
wheezing
SOB

possible seasonal or diurnal variations

note: symptoms typically occur with exposure to a trigger and resolve in its absence

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13
Q

What are 5 associated symptoms of asthma

A

tachypnea/tachycardia/systolic hypertension
audible harsh respirations/prolonged expiration/wheezing
sputum production
chest pain or tightness
could have diminished breath sounds during an acute attack

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14
Q

What time of day is asthma typically worst?

A

3-4am. Cortisol is lowest between 3-4 in the morning. Eosinophils are most active and highest. Pollen counts also highest at that time.

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15
Q

What are some possible findings on the physical exam?

A 
nasal mucosal swelling
nasal polyps
increased nasal secretions
eczema
atopic dermatitis
wheezing or prolonged expiration
changes in body posture (tripod)
accessory muscle use
fragmented speech pattern
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16
Q

What are the four “pillars” of asthma diagnosis?

A
  1. history (intermittent symptoms and family history of asthma, allergies, or atopy)
  2. signs and symptoms suggestive of asthma
  3. confirmation of variable expiratory airflow limitation, preferably by spirometry
  4. exclusion of alternative diagnosis
17
Q

Name three category types of diagnostic testing for asthma

A
  1. pulmonary function testing
  2. chest x-ray
  3. skin testing
18
Q

name three types of pulmonary function testing for asthma

A

spirometry, peak flow, and bronchial provocation testing

19
Q

How do we use spirometry in asthma diagnosis?

A

We order it before and after use of a bronchodilator.
The test must demonstrate reversibility of symptoms.Reversibility demonstrated by increase in FEV1 ≥ 12% and 200 mL OR ≥ 15% or 200 mL in FVC

20
Q

What is bronchial provocation testing?

A

Methacoline, an irritant is used to try to induce an asthmatic episode for diagnostic purposes. Here, we want to see if the FEV 1 falls by 20% or more. That would be a positive test, and a positive diagnosis for asthma.

Alternatively, one could try to provoke asthma by exercise on a treadmill in the office.

21
Q

Describe a peak flow meter.

A

It is not used to diagnose asthma. It is used to track asthma symptoms. it is an inexpensive and portable device. It measures how fast air comes out of the lungs with forceful exhalation after inhaling fully. This measures the peak expiratory flow.

22
Q

How is a peak flow meter helpful in managing asthma?

A
  1. Determines degree of airflow limitation
  2. learning asthma triggers
  3. determines if the asthma action plan is working
  4. adjusting medications
  5. knowing when to seek emergency care
  6. Having an objective measurement of the pts. pulmonary status at the time. (some patients have less awareness of their degree of impairment.
23
Q

What are some questions to ask an asthmatic patient to assess degree of control or severity of symptoms

A
  1. in the past year have you taken oral glucocorticoids for your asthma?
  2. have you been hospitalized for your asthma? intubated? How many hospitalizations in the past year?
  3. How many ED visits for asthma have you had in the last year?
  4. Do you smoke?
  5. Any increase in asthma symptoms after taking aspirin or NSAIDS?
  6. What is your normal peak flow?
  7. Does your asthma wake you up at night or early in the morning?
  8. Have you needed your quick acting relief medication more than usual?
  9. Have you needed any unscheduled care for your asthma, including calling in, an office visit, or going to the emergency room?
  10. Have you been able to participate in school/work and recreational activities as desired?
  11. If you are measuring your peak flow, has it been lower than your personal best?
24
Q

What are the four components of asthma management?

A
  1. Routine monitoring of symptoms and lung function
  2. patient education
  3. control of triggers and comorbid conditions
  4. pharmacologic therapy
25
Q

What are the two goals of asthma treatment

A

reduce impairment and reduce risk

26
Q

What are contributing factors to asthma that we should try to identify and control?

A
  1. inhaled allergens
  2. food allergies
  3. environmental allergies
  4. tobacco smoke
  5. rhinitis/ sinusitis
  6. GERD
  7. occupational exposures
  8. viral respiratory infections
27
Q

How do we periodically monitor the asthmatic patient?

A

Patient self monitoring: peak flow, awareness of symptoms

Clinician: frequent visits to achieve control, assess achievment of therapy goals, prevention of chronic symptoms, maintain normal activity levels.
Develop asthma action plan, enlist family help, identify obstacles, specific education considerations (inhaler, peak flow meter use)

28
Q

Name three inhaled bronchodilators

A

SABA
LABA
anticholinergics

29
Q

Name 6 meds used in management of asthma

A
  1. inhaled bronchodilators
  2. methylxanthines
  3. steroids
  4. Mast cell stabilizers
  5. Leukotriene inhibitors
  6. Anti- IgE therapy
30
Q

What are our rescue inhalants for asthma? (quick acting)

A

SABA’s

anticholinergic

31
Q

Which meds for asthma give us long term control?

A

These meds are meant to decrease or reverse inflammation

  1. corticosteriods
  2. leukotriene modifiers
  3. methylxanthines (theophylline) or possibly mast cell stabilizers

the other approach is to inhibit smooth muscle contraction

  1. LABA
32
Q

What are 4 administration techniques for asthma meds

A
  1. inhaled powder
  2. systemic administration
  3. MDI
  4. Nebulizer
33
Q

Describe the MDI administration

A

metered dose inhaler
releases a specific amount of aerosolized particles
uses a spacer

34
Q

Describe a nebulizer

A

liquid medicine used in a machine
Provides “nebulized” particles with moist continuous airflow
Ideal for pediatric patients or those unable to use MDI

35
Q

Describe the inhaled powder administration

A

Examples include: rota-caps, disc-haler

Here we have a mechanical crushing of the powder or capsule for inhalation

36
Q

How do we deliver meds systemically for asthma control?

A

oral, IV, IM, SQ

more side effects here

37
Q

What are sympathomimetic bronchodilators?

A 
beta 2 agonists
They provide airway dilation
improve mucociliary transport
They stimulate beta adrenergic receptors
They activate G proteins with subsequent formation of cAMP
38
Q

Name three short acting B2 agonists

A

Albuterol, Proventil, Ventolin

Immunology (7 decks)

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