Asthma Management Flashcards
What drugs should be avoided in asthmatics?
Beta blockers NSAIDs Aspirin Sedatives Strong opiates
Why is a MDI + spacer better than an MDI alone?
Low oropharyngeal deposition
Reduced bad taste
Reduced candidiasis
Reduced cold-freon effect in some
What are the aims of management in asthma?
No day time symptoms No night awakening due to asthma No need for rescue meds No asthma attacks No limitations on physical activity Minimal SEs from treatment
Asthma treatment in adults:
STEP 1 - newly diagnosed asthma
SABA
Asthma treatment in adults:
STEP 2
Not controlled on prev step or newly diagnosed asthma with symptoms >=3/week or night time waking
SABA + low dose ICS
Asthma treatment in adults:
STEP 3
SABA + low dose ICS + LTRA
Asthma treatment in adults:
STEP 4
SABA + low dose ICS + LABA
Continue LTRA depending on response to LTRA
Asthma treatment in adults:
STEP 5
SABA +/- LTRA
Switch ICS/LABA for maintence and reliever therapy (MART) that includes low dose ICS
Asthma treatment in adults:
STEP 6
SABA +/- LTRA + medium dose ICS MART
Or consider changing back to fixed dose of moderate dose ICS and separate LABA
Asthma treatment in adults:
STEP 7
SABA +/- LTRA + 1 of:
- Increase ICS to high dose (fixed dose regimen)
- Trial of additional drug, e.g. LAMA or theophylline
- Seek advice from healthcare professional with expertise in asthma
What is MART?
Maintenance and reliever therapy - form of combined ICS and fasting acting LABA used for maintenance and as needed as a reliever
What is considered low dose ICS in adults?
<=400mcg budesonide or equivalent
What is considered moderate dose ICS in adults?
400-800mcg budesonide or equivalent
What is considered high dose ICS in adults?
> 800 mcg or equivalent
What are e.g.s of SABAs?
Salbutamol (MDI)
Terbutaline (PDI)
What AEs are associated with SABAs?
Tremor, cramp, headache, flushing, palpitations, angina
Give e.g.s of ICSs
Bedomethasone
Budesonide
Flucticasone
What are AEs associated with ICS?
Dysphonia
Oesophageal candidiasis
Give e.g.s of LABAs
Formeterol
Salmeterol
What are the two LTRAs?
Montelukast or zarfirlukast
Who are LTRAs most effective in?
Those who are highly allergic
What is theophylline?
Non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor and adenosine receptor antagonist
It is a weak bronchodilator
What are SEs of theophylline?
Anorexia Headache NV Malaise Nervousness Ab discomfort Insomnia Tachycardia Tachyarrhythmia Convulsions
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