Asthma in Adults Flashcards
What is asthma characterised by?
An increased reactivity of the airways to various stimuli that manifests by narrowing of the airways that changes in severity
What are 3 proven risk factors for asthma?
Genetics - inherited tendency to IgE response
Smoking
Occupation
What are 3 examples of allergens for asthma?
House dust mite
Cat
Grass pollen
What are the 5 main symptoms of asthma?
Wheeze Dyspnoea Chest tightness/pain Paroxysmal cough Sputum (occasionally)
What are 3 examples of triggers for asthmatic symptoms?
Exercise
Cold air
Smoke
What 4 conditions could predispose a person to asthma?
Childhood asthma
Bronchitis
Eczema
Hayfever
What is the first investigation that should be performed if asthma is the expected diagnosis?
Spirometry
If spirometry shows obstructed airways then what 3 investigations do you perform in the order you would perform them?
Full pulmonary function testing
Response to bronchodilator (salbutamol)
Response to oral corticosteroids (prednisolone)
If spirometry shows normal airways then what investigation do you perform?
Peak flow meter and chart (twice daily for 2 weeks)
What is an atopic allergy?
One in which the hypersensitivity reaction may occur in a part of the body that is no tin contact with the allergen
What are 4 useful investigations in the diagnosis of asthma?
CXR
Skin prick test
Total and specific IgE
FBC
What 5 factors need to be taken in consideration when assessing acute severe asthma?
Ability to speak HR RR Peak Expiratory Flow Arterial blood gases (O2 saturation)
What are the 5 steps in asthma treatment?
1: Inhaled short acting B2 agonist (when required)
2: Add inhaled corticosteroid (for prevention)
3: Add inhaled long acting B2 agonist
4: Increase inhaled steroid OR add 4th drug (either luekotriene receptor agonist or theophylline
5: Use daily steroid tablet
Give an example of a short acting B2 agonist?
Salbutamol
What are 3 possible side effects of B2 agonists?
Tremor
Cramp
Headache
