Asthma Flashcards
What is asthma?
Chronic inflammatory disease of the airways
Is inflammation as a result of asthma reversible or irreversible?
Reversible
What are the common symptoms of asthma?
Shortness of breath
Wheeze
Dyspnoea
Asthma is often worse at night. True or false?
True
What are the aims of treatment of asthma?
Minimise side effects No need for rescue meds Control symptoms, including nocturnal and exercise induced Prevent exacerbations Achieve best possible lung function
What is some of the non-pharmacological management for asthma?
Avoid exposure to allergens Stop smoking Breastfeeding - reduces chances of baby developing Reduce weight if obese Avoid NSAIDs and B-blockers Avoid exercise in cold air
What is an example of a relieve inhaler?
Salbutamol
SABAs are relievers. True or false?
True
What is an example of a preventer inhaler?
Beclomethasone
ICS are preventers. True or false?
True
What is an example of a controlled inhaler?
Salmeterol
LABAs are controllers. True or false?
True
Co-ordination is needed for the use of nebulisers. True or false?
False
Formeterol is both a reliever and a controller true or false?
True
What are some of the ADRs for B-agonists?
Hypokalaemia
Tremor
Tachycardia
Peripheral vasodilation
Prednisolone is an inhaled corticosteroid. True or false?
False - oral
What is the route of administration for beclomethasone?
Inhalation
What is the route of administration for hydrocortisone?
IV
Under what conditions is an ICS used?
Exacerbation of asthma in last 2 years
Using inhaled B2 agonist more than 3 times a week
Symptomatic more than 3 times a week
Waking 1 night per week
Hoarseness is an ADR of oral corticosteroids. True or false?
False - inhaled
Osteoporosis is an ADR of oral corticosteroids. True or false?
True
Hyperglycaemia is an ADR of inhaled corticosteroids. True or false?
False - oral
Does use of B2 agonists cause hyperkalaemia or hypokalaemia?
Hypokalaemia
Give two examples of leukotriene antagonists
Montelukast
Zafirlukast
Name 2 ADRs of leukotriene antagonists
Thirst
Rash
Sleep disturbance
Theophylline belongs to which group of drugs?
Methylxanthines
Theophylline is administered IV. True or false?
False - oral
Methylxanthines have a narrow therapeutic window. True or false?
True
What is the therapeutic range for methylxanthines?
10/20mg/ml
What effect does smoking have on the clearance of methylxanthines?
It increases clearance and therefore reduces plasma levels of methylxanthines meaning an increased dose is needed for same therapeutic effect if patient smokes
Obesity reduces the clearance and therefore increases the plasma levels of methylxanthines. True or false?
True
Name a cromone used in the treatment of asthma.
Nedocromil
Nedocromil is a preventer used in the treatment of which age group?
5-12 y/o
Which immunosuppressants are used in the treatment of asthma?
Methotrexate and ciclosporin
Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that is offered to all asthma patients. True or false?
False- patient has to meet specialist criteria
How is omalizumab administered?
S/c
PEF is independent of age, sex and height. True or false?
False - dependent
What four features determine that asthma is severe?
PEF< 50%
ability to talk
RR >25
HR > 110
What indicates that asthma is life-threatening?
PEF<50%
RR>25
HR > 110
PLUS: silent chest, bradycardia, confusion, difficulty speaking full sentences
