asthma drugs

Question 1

Why must LABAs be used together with an ICS?

Answer 1

LABA use down-regulates the expression of B2-adrenoreceptors on the lungs while ICS use up-regulates it.

Hence, it prevents the risk of asthma attack and the SABAs not working causing sudden death

Question 2

What are the 5 bronchodilators?

Answer 2

1. SABAs
2. LABAs
3. Muscarinic receptor antagonists
4. Theophylline
5. Montelukast

Question 3

What are the 5 anti-inflammatory drug classes?

Answer 3

1. Glucocorticoids
2. Mast cell stabilisers
3. Leukotriene pathway inhibitors
4. Anti-IgE Ab
5. Anti-IL5/IL4 signalling Abs

Question 4

What is the function of relievers?

Answer 4

Relief of bronchoconstriction during asthma attack

Question 5

What is the function of controllers?

Answer 5

1. [LABA] Sustained bronchodilation to control risk of onset of acute asthma symptoms
2. [ICS] Prevent progression from early to late attack
3. [ICS] Prevent underlying ongoing inflammatory disease

3 - prevent further airway remodelling & mucous overproduction