Asthma

Question 1

What is Asthma?

Answer 1

Intermittent reversible airway obstruction. -Chronic INFLAMMATION of the bronchi caused by muscle CONTRACTIONS and SPASMS.
-Inflammation causes EXCESS SPUTUM production further narrowing airways

Question 2

Describe moderate asthma.

Answer 2

A mild increase in symptoms. Peak flow 50-75% of best with no features of acute asthma

Question 3

Describe acute severe asthma.

Answer 3

Peak flow 30-50% of best.
RR>25
Pulse 110
Unable to complete sentences without breaks

Question 4

Describe Life threatening Asthma?

Answer 4

LFA is severe asthma with any of the below:

• Altered level of consciousness
• Exhaustion
• Hypotension
• cyanosis
• silent chest
• weak resp effort
• peak flow <33% of best
• Sats below 92%

Question 5

Discuss Asthma management.

Answer 5

-Assess and manage any major
-ABCDE and think TC?
-Consider peak flow if appropriate
MILD
-Calm environment
-encourage use of inhaler with spacer with 2 puffs every 2 mins up to 10 puffs
-high levels of O2
-Salbutamol
SEVERE
-Consider Ipratropium bromide
-Consider hydrocortisone
LTA
-Adrenaline 1:1000 IM
-Assisted ventilation with increased inflation

Question 6

Discuss asthma drugs.

Answer 6

Mild - encourage use of own inhaler
Severe- Salbutamol (watch out for hypertension)
LTA - Ipratropium Bromide and Hydrocortisone