Asthma Management

Question 1

Describe the purpose an asthma action plan.

Answer 1

An action plan provides a guide for managing and an individual patient’s asthma, including triggers, medication usage, steps to take when symptoms worsen.

Question 2

How is an asthma action plan beneficial for patients and healthcare workers?

Answer 2

An asthma action plan empowers patients to recognize worsening symptoms and provides healthcare workers with valuable insights into the patient’s asthma history, previous treatments, and specific needs.

Question 3

Define the role of a GP and GP practice nurse in reviewing asthma action plans.

Answer 3

The GP and GP practice nurse are usually responsible for reviewing asthma action plans, but it is also important for hospitals to ensure that patients have an asthma plan when they leave.

Question 4

What information does an asthma action plan provide about peak flow?

Answer 4

An asthma action plan includes personalized peak flow information, encouraging patients to know their normal peak flow and recognize differences when they become unwell.

Question 5

Describe the importance of personalized asthma action plans.

Answer 5

Personalized asthma action plans are crucial for empowering patients to recognize worsening symptoms, providing specific guidance for medication usage, and offering valuable insights for healthcare workers who may not be familiar with the patient’s asthma history.

Question 6

Describe the first step in managing asthma according to the speaker.

Answer 6

The first step in managing asthma, according to the speaker, is to consider giving a low dose of inhaled corticosteroid to address the inflammatory step in the airways.

Question 7

Do inhaled corticosteroids have systemic side effects?

Answer 7

No, inhaled corticosteroids have very little systemic side effects because they are delivered directly to the lungs.

Question 8

Define long-acting beta-agonists and their role in asthma management.

Answer 8

Long-acting beta-agonists are medications that relax the smooth muscle around the airway and are used in asthma management.

Question 9

How does the Rightbreath app help in managing respiratory conditions?

Answer 9

The Rightbreath app provides guidelines on the steps patients should be on and information about different types of inhalers, making it easier for patients to point out which one they’re using and discuss alternatives.

Question 10

Describe the advantage of using inhalers to treat lung conditions.

Answer 10

Using inhalers to treat lung conditions allows for direct treatment of the organ without affecting the rest of the body, enabling the use of very small doses of a drug with quick onset and minimal systemic side effects.

Question 11

What are metered-dose inhalers and how do they work?

Answer 11

Metered-dose inhalers are pressurized canisters that deliver medication when the user coordinates taking a breath at the same time as deploying the medication.

Question 12

Describe the use of meter-dose inhalers with spacers.

Answer 12

Metered-dose inhalers with spacers allow the drug to accumulate in a chamber, enabling patients to perform normal tidal breathing for maximum delivery of the drug without requiring coordinated deep breaths.

Question 13

Define dry powder inhalers and their benefits.

Answer 13

Dry powder inhalers are a form of medication that does not require coordinated breathing. They are beneficial for patients who struggle with dexterity and do not require coordination to use.

Question 14

How are dummy or placebo inhalers used to assess respiratory function?

Answer 14

Dummy or placebo inhalers are used to assess respiratory function by producing a whistle sound when the patient has enough respiratory flow to activate the inhaler.

Question 15

Do short-acting or reliever inhalers treat underlying asthma?

Answer 15

No, short-acting or reliever inhalers are used for symptom control and not for the treatment of underlying asthma.

Question 16

Describe the main side effects of using Salbutamol.

Answer 16

The main side effects of using Salbutamol are tremor and increased heart rate, which tend to wear off after a while.

Question 17

Define oral therapies used for asthma treatment.

Answer 17

Oral therapies for asthma treatment include leukotriene receptor antagonists like Montelukast, Theophylline, and Prednisolone, which are used for patients with significant allergic responses or difficult-to-control asthma.

Question 18

Describe the potential of long-term steroid use for asthma treatment.

Answer 18

Long-term steroid use for asthma treatment can lead to significant side effects.

Question 19

What are Omalizumab and Mepolizumab, and how do they work in asthma treatment?

Answer 19

Omalizumab and Mepolizumab are newer therapies that modify the asthma response, targeting specific pathological processes in the development of asthma.

Question 20

Define bronchial thermoplasty and its role in asthma treatment.

Answer 20

Bronchial thermoplasty is a specialized treatment with limited but increasing evidence base, offered to patients who have failed other therapies.

Question 21

How are patients assessed for eligibility for Omalizumab and Mepolizumab in Aberdeen?

Answer 21

Patients must meet very specific criteria and be prescribed by specialists in the respiratory clinic.

Question 22

Do the BTS guidelines for asthma exacerbation include wheezing as a marker of severity?

Answer 22

No, wheezing is not mentioned as a marker of severity in the BTS guidelines for asthma exacerbation.

Question 23

Describe the importance of knowing a patient’s peak flow in assessing asthma severity.

Answer 23

Knowing a patient’s peak flow is important as it helps determine the percentage of their best and categorize their severity accurately.

Question 24

How do the BTS guidelines categorize asthma exacerbation based on symptoms?

Answer 24

The BTS guidelines categorize asthma exacerbation as mild, moderate, and acute severe based on the increase in symptoms and peak flow measurements.

Question 25

What are the main drawbacks of using oral courses of steroids for asthma treatment?

Answer 25

The main drawbacks of using oral courses of steroids for asthma treatment are the potential for significant side effects and the need for newer, more specialized therapies.

Question 26

Describe the difference the administration of hydrocortisone prednisolone acute asthma attacks.

Answer 26

Hydrocortisone is-acting and usually to be given three times day, while prednisolone, in tablet form, is given once a day.

Question 27

What are the effects and patient to IV magnesium in the treatment of acute asthma attacks?

Answer 27

IV magnesium helps with bronchospasm but can make patients feel dreadful, with some experiencing the sensation of about to wet themselves.

Question 28

Define the use of IV Aminophylline in the treatment of acute asthma attacks.

Answer 28

IV Aminophylline is used in severe cases, but oral versions are preferred and higher up in the treatment algorithm.

Question 29

How are complications of an acute asthma attack addressed, and what should be considered in the management of such cases?

Answer 29

Complications such as pneumothorax should be addressed quickly, and patients may require level two or level three care, depending on the severity.

Question 30

Describe the differences in the management goals between asthma and COPD.

Answer 30

Asthma management aims for no symptoms during the day or at night, minimal exacerbations, and a normal level of exercise, while COPD management focuses on minimizing exacerbations and keeping patients comfortable.

Question 31

What are the differences between level one, level two, and level three care in the context of asthma management?

Answer 31

Level one care is ward-based, level two is high dependency care with single organ support, and level three is intensive care with multi-organ support.

Question 32

How are asthma and COPD similar in terms of their underlying mechanisms?

Answer 32

Both conditions involve airway inflammation and smooth muscle irritability, leading to increased contraction and narrowing of the airways.

Question 33

What should be considered in addition to treating an acute asthma attack, and why is it important?

Answer 33

In addition to treating the attack, it’s important to identify and address the underlying cause, such as triggers, infections, or exposures, to prevent future episodes.

Question 34

Describe the differences in age and smoking history between patients with asthma and COPD.

Answer 34

Patients with asthma tend to be younger and may not have a significant smoking history, while patients with COPD usually have a significant smoking history and tend to be in their 50s and over.

Question 35

What are some key differences in the management of asthma and COPD?

Answer 35

Responsive treatments and trajectory may differ, with asthma possibly achieving good control over many years, while COPD is unlikely to reverse a lot of symptoms, especially when well and stable.

Question 36

How can non-pharmacological therapy benefit patients with chronic respiratory diseases?

Answer 36

Non-pharmacological therapies such as exercise, weight loss, and regular vaccinations are important for improving symptoms and overall management, regardless of the specific chronic disease.

Question 37

Define the concept of patient-centered and patient-individualized management in the context of asthma.

Answer 37

Patient-centered and patient-individualized management of asthma emphasizes tailoring treatment plans to the specific needs and circumstances of each patient.

Question 38

What are some important considerations in the management of asthma, according to the content?

Answer 38

Having a detailed asthma action plan, exploring different inhaler options, and following stepwise treatment approaches as outlined in various guidelines are important considerations.

Question 39

Do the BTS, SIGN, and GINA guidelines provide similar recommendations for the management of asthma?

Answer 39

Yes, they all advocate for a stepwise approach to treatment, ensuring patients receive adequate symptom control without being on excessive therapy or experiencing unwanted risks or side effects.