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MBChB IV > Asthma & COPD > Flashcards

Asthma & COPD Flashcards

1
Q

What is a wheeze?

A

A continuous, coarse, whistling sound produced in the respiratory airways during breathing

Formally called “sibilant rhonchi” in medical terminology

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2
Q

What can cause wheezing?

A

Narrowing or obstruction of the respiratory tree or heightened airflow velocity

Includes conditions like asthma and COPD

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3
Q

What is asthma?

A

A heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation, respiratory symptoms that vary over time, and variable expiratory airflow limitation

Symptoms include wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough

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4
Q

What are the 3 cardinal features of asthma?

A
  • Variability
  • Precipitants
  • Reversibility
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5
Q

How many individuals are estimated to be affected by asthma worldwide?

A

Approximately 300 million

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6
Q

What are some risk factors for asthma?

A
  • Genetic characteristics
  • Occupational exposures
  • Environmental exposures
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7
Q

What is COPD?

A

A common preventable and treatable disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with chronic inflammatory responses

Exacerbations and comorbidities contribute to severity

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8
Q

What are the goals of asthma therapy?

A
  • Symptom control
  • Risk reduction
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9
Q

What are the primary treatment options for asthma?

A
  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
  • Short acting beta-2 agonists (SABA)
  • Long acting beta-2 agonists (LABA)
  • Combination therapies
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10
Q

What are the recommended approaches for COPD therapy?

A
  • Smoking cessation
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Vaccination
  • Treat comorbidities
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11
Q

What is the significance of differentiating between asthma and COPD?

A

Affects patient expectations, response to therapy, and long-term prognosis

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12
Q

What are the typical spirometric tracings used to diagnose asthma?

A

FEV1 measurements before and after bronchodilator (BD) administration

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13
Q

What does GOLD stand for in the context of COPD?

A

Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease

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14
Q

Fill in the blank: Asthma is characterized by _______.

A

chronic airway inflammation

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15
Q

True or False: COPD symptoms begin after age 40 years.

A

True

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16
Q

What are the common symptoms of asthma?

A
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness
  • Cough
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17
Q

What defines a persistent wheeze?

A

A wheeze that occurs consistently over time

18
Q

What is the primary treatment option for COPD?

A

Bronchodilators

19
Q

What does the mMRC scale assess in COPD patients?

A

The degree of breathlessness

20
Q

What is the role of inhaled steroids in asthma treatment?

A

They are the primary treatment option for controlling asthma symptoms

21
Q

What is the importance of smoking cessation in COPD management?

A

Reduces the rate of decline in FEV1 and the risk of pneumonia, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases

22
Q

What is a key characteristic of COPD symptoms?

A

Continuous respiratory symptoms with little day-to-day variation

23
Q

How does asthma differ from COPD in terms of symptom variability?

A

Asthma exhibits variable airflow limitation and day-to-day variation in symptoms

24
Q

What are biological therapies in asthma management?

A

Infusion or subcutaneous treatments targeting IgE and interleukins

25
What is the recommended approach for mild COPD patients?
Short acting bronchodilators if symptomatically beneficial
26
What is one goal of COPD therapy?
Improve quality of life and function
27
What is the significance of education in COPD management?
Helps patients understand their disease and improve adherence to treatment
28
Fill in the blank: The primary treatment for COPD exacerbations often involves _______.
bronchodilators
29
What is a common symptom pattern in asthma?
Nocturnal symptoms triggered by allergens or exercise
30
What is a key characteristic of asthma?
Variable airflow limitation (confirmed) ## Footnote This means that airflow can change over time, often improving and worsening at different times.
31
What symptom variation is typical in asthma?
Day to day variation in symptoms ## Footnote Symptoms can fluctuate significantly from one day to another.
32
What is the typical age of onset for asthma?
Onset before 20 years ## Footnote Asthma often begins in childhood or adolescence.
33
What pattern of symptom progression is observed in asthma?
No worsening of symptoms over time ## Footnote Symptoms do not typically escalate as the disease progresses.
34
What symptom may indicate asthma during the night?
Nocturnal symptoms ## Footnote Symptoms may worsen at night, affecting sleep.
35
What is a common audible symptom of asthma?
Audible wheeze ## Footnote Wheezing is a common sound during breathing for individuals with asthma.
36
What types of triggers can exacerbate asthma symptoms?
Triggered by emotions, dust and other exposures ## Footnote Various environmental and emotional factors can provoke asthma attacks.
37
How do asthma symptoms typically respond to bronchodilators or ICS?
Improves spontaneously or good immediate response to bronchodilators or ICS over weeks ## Footnote Symptoms can improve quickly with treatment.
38
What is the primary treatment option for asthma?
ICS (Inhaled Corticosteroids) ## Footnote ICS are the frontline treatment for managing asthma symptoms.
39
What is the primary treatment option for COPD?
Bronchodilators ## Footnote COPD management typically involves bronchodilator therapy.
40
What should be done when in doubt between asthma and COPD?
Refer for specialist evaluation ## Footnote A healthcare professional should assess the condition further.
41
What is the default treatment option for safety reasons when unsure about asthma or COPD?
Default to ICS ## Footnote ICS can be safely used in uncertain cases as a precaution.
42
What is a key expectation for healthcare workers and patients regarding asthma management?
Expectations – Health care worker and patient ## Footnote Understanding roles and goals in the management of asthma is crucial.

MBChB IV (8 decks)

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