Asthma Flashcards

1
Q

Describe asthma. (6)

A

Chronic inflammatory airways disease characterised by intermittent, spontaneous and reversible airway obstruction and hyper-reactivity. A disease of the small airways with various expiratory airflow limitation.

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2
Q

Describe the pathophysiology of asthma. (6:

A

Basically bronchoconstriction and inflammation cause narrowed small airways.
Initially a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction causing a release of histamine, and leukotrienes from mast cells.
Constriction of airways smooth muscle.
Mucus hypersecretion
Inflammation.

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3
Q

Describe the signs and symptoms of asthma. (5)

A

Dry cough, possibly nocturnal, expiratory wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness.

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4
Q

Describe precipitating factors of asthma. (5)

A

Allergens (dust, pollen), cigarette smoke, cold weather, exercise, infection, aerosols.

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5
Q

Describe examination of a patient with asthma. (4)

A

Resp rate raised
Bilateral wheeze
Lowered oxygen sats
Atopy - eczema, hay fever.

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6
Q

Describe investigations of asthma. (2)

A

Peak flow meter

Spirometry - scalloping, reduced FEV1 : FVC ratio

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7
Q

Explain the differences between asthma and COPD. (5)

A

Asthma : dry cough, history of atopy, generally reversible with bronchodilator, day to day variability, worse at night
COPD: productive cough, history of smoking, not reversible, no day to day variability, not worse at night.

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8
Q

Explain the similarities between asthma and COPD. (2)

A

Both obstructive lung disease that presents with wheeze.

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9
Q

Describe the management of chronic asthma. (4)

A
Remove triggers 
Pharmacology:
- short acting beta 2 agonists - blue
- long acting beta 2 agonists - green
- inhaled corticosteroid - brown
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10
Q

Explain how beta 2 agonists work in relieving the symptoms of asthma. (4)

A

Stimulates G alpha S
Produces cAMP
Activates PKA
Causes bronchodilation.

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11
Q

Describe acute management of asthma. (4)

A

Oxygen
Short acting beta 2 agonists through nebuliser
Steroids
Admit - consider CXR

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12
Q

Describe the consequences of severe prolonged acute asthma attack. (4)

A

Respiratory alkalosis
Hypoxia
Type 1 Resp failure
Type 2 Resp failure

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