Asthma Flashcards
what are the pathological features of asthma
mucosal oedema, bronchoconstriction, mucus plugging and bronchial hyper responsiveness
what are the 5 steps in asthma treatment
- short acting beta agonist
- ICS
- long acting beta against
- addition of other medications
- oral corticosteroid
what other medications may be added in step 4 of treatment
leukotriene antagonists
muscarinic antagonist
methylxanthines
give an example of a leukotriene antagonist
montelukast
give an example of a methylxanthine
theophylline
why aren’t muscarinic antagonists used as a first line treatment
they have bad side effects and they’re not as effective as beta agonists
how do beta agonists work
bind to B2 receptors to cause bronchodilator
give an example of a SABA
salbutamol
give an example of a LABA
salmeterol
what are the side effects of beta agonists
tachycardia, palpitations and tremor
how do corticosteroids work
bind to intracellular GR alpha receptors which cause transactivation (increase in B2 receptors) and transrepression (decrease in inflammatory mediators and cytokines)
give an example of an ICS
beclomethasone
what is classed as severe asthma
when you cant complete sentences, have a high RR and pulse
what is life threatening asthma
no chest sounds, cyanosis
what is fatal asthma
CO2 levels rising and patient tires
