Asthma Flashcards
Asthma is defined by the presence of both of the
following:
1
2
- excessive variation in lung function
* respiratory symptoms (
What is meant by excessive variation in lung function
(‘variable airflow limitation’ i.e. variation in expiratory
airflow that is greater than that seen in healthy
people)
In young children in whom lung function testing
is not feasible, including most preschool children,
asthma is defined by the___________
presence of variable respiratory symptoms.
BA
It has an unacceptable mortality rate of
approximately________of the population.
5 per 100 000
BA
It tends to develop between the ages of _______ but can develop at any age
2 and 7 years,
Key test for BA
Spirometry is the key investigation
New aerosols, notably _________
have non-CFC propellants leading to increased
lung deposition and thus requiring overall lower
dosage.
hydrofluoroalkanes,
Pathophysio of BA
- infiltration of the mucosa with_______
- _________
- intermittent airway narrowing (due_______
inflammatory cells (especially eosinophils) and cellular elements
airway hyper-responsiveness
to bronchoconstriction, congestion or oedema of
bronchial mucosa or a combination of these)
About 90% of children with atopic symptoms
and asthma demonstrate ________
responses to dust mite extract
positive skin-prick
Classic Sx of BA
- wheezing
- coughing (especially at night)
- tightness in the chest
- breathlessness
Auscultation findings of BA
diffuse, high-pitched wheezes throughout inspiration and most of expiration, which is usually prolonged
If wheeze
is not present during normal tidal breathing it may
become apparent during a ______
forced expiration
Spirometry: a value of________ for FEV 1 /VC ratio
indicates obstruction. It is the more accurate test
and recommended for those who can perform it
(i.e. most adults and children >6 years).
<75%
Measurement of peak expiratory flow rate
(PEFR) or spirometry before and after SA β A: has
a characteristic_________
improvement >15% in FEV 1 and
PEFR.
__________ airway reactivity is
tested in a respiratory laboratory to inhaled
histamine, methacholine or hypertonic saline.
Sometimes useful to confirm diagnosis
Inhalation challenge tests:
Other tests for BA
Mannitol inhalation test.
An exercise challenge may also be helpful.
Significant advances in the management of asthma
The realisation that asthma is an inflammatory
disease. Therefore the appropriate first- or secondline
treatment in moderate to severe asthma
is ____ or _________
inhaled sodium cromoglycate (especially in
children) or inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).
Significant advances in the management of asthma
2 The regular use of _________
3 The use of spacers attached to_______
4 Improved and more efficient inhalers.
5 Combined________
spirometry.
inhalers/puffers.
long-acting relievers and preventers including combinations of long-acting β -agonists
(LA β A) and ICS—the fixed-dose inhalers.
Patients with moderate to severe chronic asthma
require regular measurement of ______ which is more
useful than subjective symptoms in assessing asthma
control
PEFR,
Goal of measuring PEFR
This allows the establishment of a baseline
of the ‘patient’s best’, monitors changes, and allows
the assessment of asthma severity and response to
treatment
______ are not a substitute for spirometry
Peak flow meters
Some people who have trouble using metered dose
inhalers (MDIs) can have a special________fitted onto
the mouthpiece of the inhaler
‘spacer’
Children under 5–6 years and/or 20 kg can use an
MDI and a ______
small volume valved spacer (AeroChamber,
Breath-A-Tech) with a face mask.
Goals of BA Tx
• absent or minimal _________
• maintain best possible lung function at all
times—keep asthma under control
daytime symptoms and no nocturnal symptoms; restore normal airway function (>80% of predicted)
Definition of good BA control
• Minimal symptoms day and night
• No nocturnal waking due to asthma
• No limitation of normal or physical activity
• Minimal need for reliever medication
• No exacerbation
• Normal lung function (FEV 1 and/or PEFR >80%
predicted or best)
• No side effects of medication
• Near or near-normal lung function (i.e. >80%
predicted)
These medications are directed towards the
underlying abnormalities—bronchial hyperreactivity
and associated airway inflammation
‘Preventer’ drugs or anti-inflammatory
agents
Treatment with a ‘preventer’ is recommended if asthma
episodes are ______ or those who use SA β A____
> 3/week
>3 times a week