Asthma & COPD Flashcards
Define Asthma
Reversible increases in airway resistance involving bronchoconstriction and inflammation
What is the effect of Asthma on measures of lung function?
Reversible decreases in FEV1:FVC (<70-80%)
Variations in PEF, improving w/ B2 agonist (morning dipping)
Describe the parasympathetic control of bronchial calibre
ACh - muscarinic M3 receptors
Bronchoconstriction AND increased mucus
Describe the sympathetic control of bronchial calibre
Circulating adrenaline - B2 adrenoceptors
Relaxation of bronchial SM
Sympathetic fibres release NA - B2 adrenoceptors
Inhibit mucus secretion
Decrease PNS activity
What factors lead to an asthmatic attack?
Genetic predisposition, provoked by:
- Allergens
- Cold air
- Viral infections
- Smoking
- Exercise
What are the two phases of an asthmatic attack?
Early (immediate)
Late
Sometimes just one or the other
What are the clinical features of Asthma?
Wheezing Breathlessness Tight chest Cough Decreases in FEV1, reversed by B2 agonist
What are Spasmogens?
Factors released from mast cells Stimulate bronchospasm (early)
What are Chemotaxins?
Factors released from mast cells Stimulate inflammation (late)
What type of cell releases Spasmogens/Chemotaxins?
Mast cells (mononuclear)
Describe the time course of an asthmatic attack?
Early phase - 1 hour after stimulus, large drop in PEF followed by quick improvement
Late phase - 3-8 hours, gradual drop in PEF
What are the five Spasmogens involved in an asthmatic attack?
Histamine
Prostaglandin D2
Leukotrienes C4 & D4
Platelet Activating Factor (PAF)
How are Spasmogens produced?
Arachidonic acid separated from membrane by PLA2
Leukotrienes produced by LOX
Prostaglandins by COX
What are the two Chemotaxins involved in an asthmatic attack?
Leukotriene B4
Platelet Activating Factor (PAF)
How do Chemotaxins lead to the late phase of an asthmatic attack?
Attract leukocytes (esoinophils + mononuclear cells) Leads to inflammation + airway hyper-reactivity
What are the two types of therapy for Asthma?
Bronchodilators
Preventative
What is the purpose of Bronchodilators?
Reverse bronchospasm (early phase) RAPID RELIEF
What is the 1st choice Bronchodilator?
Salbutamol
What is Salbutamol?
B2 adrenoceptor agonist
Increases FEV1
How does Salbutamol work?
Acts on B2 adrenoceptors to increase cAMP`
How are B2 agonists given?
Inhalation
What is the problem with long term use of B2 agonists?
Prolonged use leads to receptor down-regulation
What are LABAs?
Long acting beta agonists (SALMETEROL)
What are LABAs used for?
Long term prevention/control (ie. overnight)
What are the 2nd choice Bronchodilators?
Xanthines (THEOPHYLLINE)
How do Xanthines work?
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors - elevate cAMP
How are Xanthines given?
Oral/i.v.