Asthma Flashcards
What are key parts of the definition of asthma?
Airway obstruction
Reversible
Symptoms of wheeze
Variable condition
What is the pathophysiology of asthma?
Driven by T helper 2 cells -> release cytokines
Proliferation of
- mast cells
- eosinophils
- dendritic cells
Cause
- bronchoconstriction
- inflammation
What are risk factors for asthma?
FHx of atopy
Low birth weight
Prematurity
Parental smoking
What are the symptoms of asthma in children?
Wheeze
Cough
How is suspected asthma investigated?
Peak flow
Spirometry + bronchodilator
Exhaled nitric oxide
What should spirometry show in asthma?
Obstructive pattern
FEV1 12% reversibility with bronchodilator
How is paediatric asthma managed?
Step 1 = SABA
Step 2 = SABA + ICS
Step 3 = SABA + ICS + LABA/LTRA
Step 4 = Increase ICS dose
What else do you need to use in a child with asthma?
Spacer
What ICS are commonly used?
Beclometasone Fluticasone Budesonide Mometasone Ciclesonide
What LABAs are commonly used?
Salmeterol
Formoterol
What SABAs are commonly used?
Salbutamol
Terbutaline
What combination inhalers are commonly used?
Seretide
Symbicort
Fostair
What is in a Seretide inhaler?
Fluticasone + salmeterol
What is in a Symbicort inhaler?
Budesonide + formoterol
What is in a fostair inhaler?
Beclometasone + formoterol
