Asthma Flashcards
What are the features of a mild asthma attack?
PEFR >75%
What are the features of a moderate asthma attack?
PEFR 50-75%
What are the features of a severe asthma attack? (4)
PEFR 33-50% Cannot complete sentences in 1 breath RR >25 HR >110 *Severe if any one of the following*
What are the features of a life threatening asthma attack? (11)
PEFR
What are the features of a near fatal asthma attack?
Features of severe + raised pCO2
What is the initial management of acute asthma?
A-E
SpO2 94-98%
ABG if sats
What is the additional management of an asthma attack if it is severe?
Add nebulised ipratropium bromide - 500 micrograms
Consider back to back salbutamol
What is the additional management of an asthma attack if it is life threatening or near fatal?
Urgent ITU assessment
Urgent portable CXR
IV aminophylline or theophylline
IV salbutamol if nebulised not effective
Be aware that aminophylline + salbutamol may increase risk of SVT
If still resistant, can use magnesium sulphate
What are some of the differentials for a wheeze?
Asthma Bronchitis - viral or bacterial Pulmonary oedema PE GORD Foreign body Allergy Vasculitis
What is the pathophysiology of asthma?
Airway epithelial damage - BM thickening Inflammatory reaction - TH2, mast cells, eosinophils. Smooth muscle hyperplasia + hypertrophy Increased mucus secreting goblet cells Muscle plugging
What is the criteria for safe discharge post asthma attack?
PEFR > 75% Off nebulisers for 24 hours Inpatient nurse r/v to assess inhaler technique 5 days oral prednisolone GP f/u within 2 weeks Resp clininc f/u appointment
What are the differentials of eosinophilia?
Asthma COPD Hayfever/allergens Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) Parasites SLE Lymphoma Drugs - antibiotics especially
What is step 1 of the BTS asthma guidelines?
SABA PRN
Salbutamol
What is step 2 of the BTS asthma guidelines?
Add inhaled corticosteroid (400mcg)
Beclamethasone
What is step 3 of the BTS asthma guidelines?
Add LABA (salmeterol, formoterol)
Increase corticosteroids
Leukotriene receptor antagonists
Theophylline