Asthma

Question 1

asthma is an obstructive or restrictive airway disease?

Answer 1

obstructive - airway is affected

Question 2

what causes obstructive airway diseases

Answer 2

contraction of smooth muscle around airway
mucus secretion from mucosa blocks lumen
cutting of alveolar walls

Question 3

what does atopic asthma relate to

Answer 3

allergen causing asthma

Question 4

three structural features found in asthma

Answer 4

airway inflammation
airway hyper-sensitiveness
reversible airflow obstruction

Question 5

what are the two stages of asthma?

Answer 5

acute and chronic asthma

Question 6

what type of leukocyte cause inflammation in asthma

Answer 6

eosinophils

Question 7

symptoms of asthma

Answer 7

intermittent dyspnoea
wheeze
dry cough
- symptoms episodic and often nocturnal

Question 8

what are 7 precipitants of asthma symptoms

Answer 8

cold air 
exercise 
viral infections 
smoking 
pollen 
allergens 
drugs - NSAIDs and beta-blockers

Question 9

what are the signs of a moderate-severe asthma attack

Answer 9

FEV1 <50% predicted 
cannot finish sentences 
tachpnoea 
resp rate increased 
hyperinflated chest

Question 10

what are the signs of a life-threatening asthma attack

Answer 10

FEV1 <30% predicted
silent chest
cyanosis
confusion

Question 11

mild asthma FEV1 will be ___ predicted

Answer 11

<70%

Question 12

what investigations are involved for diagnosing asthma

Answer 12

allergen skin prick test
peak expiratory flow rate
spirometry in adults

Question 13

what is the order of treatment for asthma

Answer 13

1. SABA
2. inhaled corticosteroid
3. LABA
4. increase dose of ICS or add oral leukotriene receptor antagonist
5. oral corticosteroid

Question 14

corticosteroids are best taken orally/inhaled and why?

Answer 14

inhaled to reduce unwanted systemic effects such as eye disorders and oestoporosis

Question 15

name an example of a SABA

Answer 15

salbutamol

Question 16

name an example of an ICS

Answer 16

beclometasone

Question 17

name an example of a LABA

Answer 17

salmeterol

Question 18

name an example of an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist

Answer 18

montelukast

zafirlukast

Question 19

name an example of an oral corticosteroid

Answer 19

prednisolone

Question 20

asthma is a reversible/irreversible disease

Answer 20

reversible in short term

Question 21

outline the treatment for acute asthma attack

Answer 21

OSHITMAN
oxygen 100% non-rebreather 
salbutamol nebulised 
hydrocortisone/prednisolone 
ipratropium every 4-6 hours 
theophylline/aminophyline 
magnesium IV 
and call an anaethetist