Asthma Management in Adults Flashcards
What are examples of non-pharmacological management in adult asthma?
Patient education.
Self-management plans.
Exercise.
Smoking cessation.
Weight management.
Flu and pneumococcal vaccinations.
What is an asthma action plan?
Notes triggers and reviews yearly.
Notes personal best peak flow, preventer inhaler, reliever inhaler, what to do if symptoms worsen, emergency plan.
What are the benefits of using an inhaler?
Fast onset of effect.
Direct delivery to the airways and lungs.
Minimal systemic exposure.
Systemic adverse effects are less severe and less frequent.
What are the different delivery systems for asthma medication?
pMDI/spacers.
Dry powder inhalers.
SABA relievers - salbutamol (MDI and DPI), terbutaline (DPI, used if salbutamol causes tremors and increased HR).
What are examples of pharmacological management in adult asthma?
Inhaled therapy.
Oral therapy.
Specialist treatments.
What are examples of oral therapy for adult asthma?
LTRA - patients who have a significant allergic response to asthma.
Theophylline - in poorly controlled asthma.
Prednisolone - in acute exacerbations.
What are examples of specialist treatments for adult asthma?
Omalizumab (anti-IgE).
Mepolizumab (anti-interleukin-5).
These medications help patients get off multiple courses of oral steroids.
How can you treat mild to moderate asthma attacks?
Increasing inhaler or oral steroid use.
Treating the trigger.
Having an early follow up and back up plan.
How can you treat moderate to severe acute asthma attacks?
Nebulisers.
Oral / IV steroids.
Magnesium.
Aminophylline.
Check for triggers and complications.
Review when possible.
Compare and contrast asthma to COPD.
Both have similar therapies.
The non-pharmacological therapies are the same.
Asthma has a younger age of onset.
Smoking Hx is less significant.
Effects are reversible on treatment.
