asthma management in adults Flashcards
what are the symptoms of asthma?
SOB wheeze cough chest tightness episodic atopy diurinal vairiability
what are signs of asthma?
Wheeze on auscultation
Eczema
Obstructed spirometry
PEF changes
Response to treatment
what is defined as complete control of asthma?
no daytime symptoms no night-time awakening due to asthma no need for rescue medication no asthma attacks no limitations on activity including exercise & normal lung function (in practical terms FEV1 and/or PEF>80% predicted or best) minimal side effects from medication. BTS/SIGN 2016
what is non pharmacological management?
exercise
smoking cessation
weight management
what are pharmacological management?
inhaled therapy
oral therapy
specialist treatments
what are the advantages of inhalers
Small dose of drugs
Delivery directly to the target organ (airways and lung)
Onset of effect is faster
Minimal systemic exposure
Systemic adverse effects are less severe and less frequent
what does SABA stand for?
short acting beta agonists
what are the types of SABA?
salbutamol mostly
terbutaline
what is the oral therapy?
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist
Theophylline
Prednisolone
what are the specialist options?
omalizumab
mepolizumab
bronchial thermoplasty
what should you do with an acute asthma attack?
Increase inhaler use
Oral Steroid
Treat trigger
Early follow up
what should you do with a severe asthma attack?
Nebulisers – Salbutamol/Ipratropium Oral/IV Steroid Magnesium Aminophylline Triggers – infection/allergen Complications – CXR Review Level 2/3 care
what are the contrasts with COPD?
Age of onset Smoking history Response to treatment Treatment goals Trajectory
