Asthma and COPD

Question 1

asthma

Answer 1

reversible airflow obstruction often caused by over reaction of airways to harmless stimuli

Question 2

what process becomes difficult during an asthma attack

Answer 2

expiration as this is a passive process

hence asthmas characteristic wheeze

Question 3

simple process of asthma

Answer 3

allergen triggers IgE production
t and b cell interaction causes mast cell degranulation
this leads to narrowing of airways , oedema and mucus secretion

Question 4

triad of factors causing airway narrowing in asthma

Answer 4

• bronchial smooth muscle constriction
• oedema
• excessive mucus secretion in bronchial lumens

Question 5

5 phases of treatment for asthma ptx

Answer 5

1 - short acting beta agonist when required i.e blue inhaler
2 - 1 + low dose of inhaled corticosteroid (brown inhaler)
3 - 1+ high dose of inhaled corticosteroid
4 - regular long acting beta agonist as well as inhaled corticosteroid
5 - adjuvant therapy

Question 6

what would make a ptx a high risk asthma ptx

Answer 6

if they have ever been hospitalised with asthma or taken an oral steroid treatment in the last year

Question 7

COPD - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Answer 7

mixed. .
- airway reversible obstruction(asthma)
- destructive lung disease (bronchiectasis and emphysema - irreversible and cumulative)

Question 8

bronchiectasis

Answer 8

airways permanently widened/ damaged / thickened caused by damage such as cystic fibrosis or infections
widened and damaged airways allow mucus build up making lungs and airways vulnerable to infection

Question 9

causes of COPD

Answer 9

smoking , asthma , chronic bronchitis , chemical exposure

Question 10

symptoms of COPD

Answer 10

chronic cough , dyspnoea , fatigue , excess mucous

Question 11

complications of COPD

Answer 11

pneumonia, heart failure , respiratory failure , depression

Question 12

can type 1 or type 2 respiratory failure cause hypercapnia

Answer 12

type 2 - CO2 not being diffused out of lungs

Question 13

why should treating COPD ptx with oxygen be done cautiously

Answer 13

some ptx may rely on hypoxia experienced to keep them breathing
giving too much O2 may reduce respiratory rate allowing CO2 levels to rise

Question 14

what oral problem do inhaled steroids increase the risk of and how can this risk be minimised

Answer 14

oral candida infections

rinse mouth after use and use a spacer