Asthma II Part 2: Diagnosis, Pulm Func Tests Flashcards
Asthma Diagnosis (GINA) general - read
no single diagnostic test
- based on a history of characteristic symptom patterns and evidence of variable airflow limitation (from bronchodilator reversibility testing)
- Usually characterized by airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, but not necessary
Asthma Diagnosis (GINA)
2 key defining features
- History of respiratory symptoms such as wheeze, SOB, chest tightness and cough that varies over time and intensity, AND
- Variable expiratory airflow limitation
Asthma Diagnosis (GINA)
what features increase prob of asthma?
- more than one symptom (wheeze, SOB, cough, tightness) esp in adults
- worse at night/early morning
- vary over time and intensity
- symptoms triggered by viral infections, exercise, allergen exposure, weather, laughter, irritants
Asthma Diagnosis (GINA)
what features decrase prob of asthma?
read
- isolated cought w/o resp symptoms
- chronic pdtn of sputum
- SOB w/ dizziness, light-headedness, periph tingling
- chest pain
- exercise induced dyspnea w/ noisy inspiration
Asthma “Diagnosis” in the Pharmacy
initial screening qs
In the past 4 wks have you had any asthma symptoms ______ (3)
upon awakening?
at night that have awakened you?
after moderate exercise or physical activity?
Asthma “Diagnosis” in the Pharmacy
initial screening qs
In the past 12 months have you had any of the following ______ (5)
Sudden, severe episodes of asthma symptoms?
Colds that “end up in your chest” or last >10 days?
Asthma symptoms at a particular time of year?
Asthma symptoms after certain exposures?
If you have inhalers, are symptoms relieved when they’re used?
Asthma Diagnosis & Evaluation
3 considerations
start w/ open ended qs and proceed w/ more targeted q’s
- Patient history
• Determines a patient’s level of asthma control and identifies where patient education might be required - Physical examination
• Relevant when a patient is symptomatic; not necessarily used for diagnosis - Pulmonary function
• Pulmonary function tests assess lung function and may be used for diagnosis
- Pt history
see tables for SCHOLAR-E qs to ask
ok
- Physical Examination
- may be normal but what should you consider? (4)
Focus is on upper respiratory tract, chest, and skin
doctor for complete phys exam
- Most common abnormal physical finding is expiratory wheezing on auscultation (listening through a stethoscope)
- Hyperexpansion of the thorax - especially in children; use of accessory muscles; appearance of hunched shoulders and chest deformity
- Increased nasal secretion, mucosal swelling, and/or nasal polyps
triad
• Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis
• Atopic dermatitis/eczema or other manifestations of an allergic skin condition
- Pulmonary Function
define pulm func tests
what 3 main tests are used?
*some tests may be normal! Need a
multifaceted assessment
objective measure of how well the lungs are working (functioning):
• Test to diagnose asthma and differentiate other conditions
• Monitor therapeutic intervention
main tests 1. Spirometry Very common 2. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) An alternative but mostly used for monitoring 3. Bronchoprovocation Challenge Tests More specialized tests
- Pulmonary Function
spirometry
what ages can use it? why does both the CTS and GINA guidelines recommend spirometry as the measure of airflow limitation and reversibility to establish a diagnosis of asthma
In most cases, this test can be properly administered to individuals >6 years of age.
• Spirometry is the most reproducible and
objective measurement of airflow limitation available
- Pulmonary Function
spirometry
how does it work?
limitations?
A spirometer measures:
• How much air can be blown out of the lungs (volume) after a maximal inspiration
• The results are reported as FEV1 and FVC (forced vital capacity)
• How quickly air can be blown out (flow)
Limitations:
• The test must be administered properly, and the individual taking the test must be able to perform it
- Pulmonary Function
spirometry
define FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC
- FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in the 1st second
- FVC = forced vital capacity (max volume exhaled)
- FEV1/FVC = proportion or percentage of total air volume exhaled in 1st second
- The ratio of FEV1/FVC is a measure of airflow obstruction
- Both FEV1 and FVC are based on the patient’s size, age, sex, and race
- Pulmonary Function
spirometry
when can a diagnosis be made? (2)
- There is a reduced FEV1/FVC ratio
* If there is a significant change in FEV1
- Pulmonary Function
spirometry
what is bronchodilator reversibility?
what should you remember for post-bronchodilator testing? (read)
- FEV1 improvement of at least 12% and 200 mL after administration of a bronchodilator
- Short-acting bronchodilators need to be withheld for at least 6-8 hours prior to testing.
- Long-acting bronchodilators should be withheld for 12 to 24 hours prior to testing.
- Notation should be made on the test results regarding the last dose of any long- or short-acting bronchodilator.
- Beta blockers will blunt the effect of the beta agonists, and the patient should be assessed for the need for holding these medications for spirometry.