Asthma and COPD Flashcards
When should step up therapy be considered in asthma ?
If needing to use the SABA inhaler 3 or more times a week, consider stepping up treatment
Define complete asthma control
7 points
- No daytime symptoms
- No nighttime waking due to asthma
- No need for rescue medication
- No asthma attacks
- No limitations on activity (including exercise)
- Normal lung function (FEV1 and/or PEF > 80% predicted or best)
- Minimal side effects from medication
What should be added to a SABA in children:
a) under 5
b) over 5
a) Add a LTRA to SABA if under 5
b) Add a very low dose (paediatric) ICS to SABA if over 5
True or false:
LABAs should never be given without ICS
TRUE
It is associated with a risk of sudden death if not given with ICS
True or false:
LABAs should not be continued if the patient is receiving little or no benefit
TRUE
The risks of use would outweigh the benefit in this case
When should theophylline plasma levels be checked
2 points
5 days after starting
3 days after a dose change
Side effects of B2 agonists?
4 points
Tachycardia
Hypokalaemia (may be desired in some situations)
Tremor
Palpitations
True or false:
ICS can cause hypokalaemia
TRUE
Increased risk if used alongside Beta agonists and/or theophylline
Which type of beta agonist (SABA or LABA) can cause muscle cramps ?
LABAs can cause muscle cramps
True or false:
Use of ICS in COPD decreases the risk of developing pneumonia
FALSE
It actually increases the risk
True or false:
Giving oxygen to someone with COPD may worsen hypoxia
TRUE
Giving oxygen to someone with type 2 respiratory failure may actually lead to respiratory acidosis as it disturbs their adaptive state
Remember: Normal O2 sats in COPD are lower!
Oxygen saturation (SpO2) :
a) Normal
b) In COPD
a) 95 - 100%
b) 88 - 92%
Do not administer Oxygen unless below the ranges
