Asthma Flashcards
What is asthma?
Recurrent episodes of dyspnoea, cough and wheeze caused by reversible airways obstruction
What three mechanisms contribute to the symptoms of asthma?
Bronchial muscle contraction, mucosal inflammation, increased mucus production
What are symptoms of asthma?
Intermittent dyspnoea, wheeze, cough that’s often nocturnal, sputum
What can precipitate asthma?
Cold air, exercise, emotion, allergens like animals, smoking
What conditions are associated with asthma?
Disturbed sleep, acid reflux, other atopic disease
What tests can you do?
Peak expiratory flow, spirometry, FEV1:FVC
What are differential diagnoses?
Pulmonary oedema, COPD, large airway obstruction
Generally, what are the steps for treatment?
SABA –> low dose ICS –> leukotriene receptor antagonist –> LABA
What do beta-2-adrenoreceptor agonists do?
Relax bronchial smooth muscle
Give an example of a SABA
Salbutamol
Give an example of a LABA
Salmeterol
What do corticosteroids do?
Decrease bronchial mucosal inflammation
Give a brand name of beclometasone
Clenil modulite
How do you monitor asthma?
At home peak expiratory flow rate monitoring, check ups
What is a complication of asthma?
Exacerbations
Describe a moderate asthma attack
Increasing symptoms, PEF >50-75% of best
Describe a severe asthma attack
Unable to complete sentences, resp rate >25, pulse rate >110, PEV 33-50%
Describe a life threatening asthma attack
PEF <33%, silent chest, cyanosis, bradycardia or hypotension, exhaustion, confusion or coma, ABG high CO2, O2 <92, low pH
What is a side effect of salbutamol?
Fine tremor
What are side effects of inhaled corticosteroids?
Oral candida, stunted growth in children
