Asthma Flashcards
how common is asthma in children?
5-10% will have it
how common in asthma in adults?
2-5% of adults will have asthma
why does the airway narrow in asthma patients?
- bronchial smooth muscle constriction
- bronchial mucosal oedema
- excessive mucous secretion into the airway lumen
small radius changes can lead to?
large effects on airflow
what are the symptoms of asthma?
- cough
- wheeze
- shortness of breath (acute attack)
- diurnal variation
- difficulty breathing OUT and lungs fill with air
what tracks any airway resistance?
peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)
what are some of the common triggers for asthma?
- infections
- environmental stimuli (dust, smoke, chemicals)
- cold air
- atopy (allergic to a range of environmental stimuli)
what is the early and late asthma response known as?
asthma biphasic response
how does the asthma biphasic response relate to a patient suffering an asthma attack in clinic?
patients that suffer a SEVERE asthma attack in clinic should be sent to A&E to prevent condition worsening later on! (will be given corticosteroids at hospital)
what asthma drugs are used in mild conditions?
- Intermittent short acting Beta-adrenergic Agonist
2. Inhaled Corticosteroids (low dose)
what drugs are used in patients with moderate asthma?
- Inhaled Corticosteroids (high dose)
- Regular LONG-ACTING beta-adrenergic agonist
ALONGSIDE MILD ASTHMA DRUGS
what is then used in patients where medications dont seem to help?
adjuvant therapy
what is the function of beta-adrenergic agonists?
to relax the bronchial smooth muscle
- reduce bronchoconstriction
- reduce resting bronchial tone
what type of beta-adrenergic agonists are there?
- short acting
- long acting
what is the function of a SHORT ACTING beta-adrenergic agonist?
‘reliever drug’ (used during acute attack)
what is the function of a LONG ACTING beta-adrenergic agonist?
‘preventer’ drug (use to prevent an acute attack)
what must a long acting beta-adrenergic agonist be used alongside?
INHALED STEROID (commonly in the same puffer)
what is the most effective asthma treatment when inhaled?
corticosteroids
what is recommended if daily dose of corticosteroids exceeds 800micrograms in an adult?
a spacer
