Asthma and COPD

Question 1

Pathophysiology of Asthma

Answer 1

= Chronic, inflammatory airway disease —> airways inflamed, narrow and swell and
produce extra mucus making it difficult to breath

• Pathophysiology involves many mediators —> histamine, interleukin and leukotrienes
• Process involves eosinophils macrophages neutrophils, T lymphocytes, mast cells
  and immunoglobin type e IgE

Question 2

Characteristics of asthma

Answer 2

• reversible bronchoconstriction
• airway inflammation
• mucous secretion
• hyperactive airways
• cough

Question 3

Initial presentation of asthma?

Answer 3

• early onset, classical wheezing, tight cheats, SOB

- Triggers- mould dust, household

Question 4

Benefits of asthma plan?

Answer 4

• aims to help person take early action to prevent or reduce severity of asthma attack
• gives the person instructions to identify and act what to do if it happens

Question 5

COPD?

Answer 5

= Umbrella term for number of serious, progressive, disabling lung disease that prevent proper breathing

• associated with inflammatory response within lungs
• e.g. emphysema and chronic bronchitis

Question 6

Symptoms of COPD?

Answer 6

• breathlessness
• cough
• sputum production
• respiratory tract infection
• fatigue
• wheezing
• cyanosis

Question 7

COPD initial presentation

Answer 7

• late onset, cough, sputum plugs and SOB

- smoking history

Question 8

What is the pharmacology asthma and COPD treatment? (5)

Answer 8

• SABA (short acting beta2 receptor agonists
  e. g. salbutamol, terbutaline
• LAMA (long acting B2 receptor agonists
  e. g. sale Treloar
• Corticosteroids
  e. g. Beclomethasone, budenoside
• M3 receptor antagonists
  e. g. Ipratropium, tiotropium
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists