Asthma Treatments Flashcards
How do inhaled steroids work?
They treat the underlying inflammation associated with asthma and COPD by regulating the gene expression. Oedema and muscle secretion is reduced.
How do Beta-2 Agonists work?
They mimic the effect of the sympathetic nervous system and act specifically on the bronchial smooth muscle to increase the formation of intracellular cAMP. The concentration of calcium inside the muscle is reduced, stopping contraction and causing relaxation.
How do oral steroids work?
They are an immediate-acting corticosteroid which cause relaxation of the smooth muscles with effects lasting for a day or so. These are only for severe asthma attacks as they are very addictive.
How do muscular antagonists work?
They are antagonistic bronchodilators of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the parasympathetic nervous system. These receptors cause vagal stimulation and release ACTH resulting in bronchospasm. These drugs block this reaction.
How do cromones work?
They inhibit the use of histamines from inflammatory cells called ‘mast cells’ when they are irritated by an antigen. This is for asthma that is triggered by an allergic response.
How do leukotriene receptor antagonists work?
They block the receptors for the leukotriene C4, D4 and E4 during inflammation. These block the signs and symptoms of asthma caused by neutrophil/monocyte migration, neutrophil/eosinophil aggregation, leukocyte adhesion and other inflammatory responses.
What are examples of Beta-2 Agonists?
- Salbutamol
- Salmetrol
- Formoterol
- Terbutaline
What are examples of inhaled steroids?
- Beclametasone
- Budesonise
- Fluticasone
- Mometasone
- Ciclesonide
What are examples of oral steroids?
- Prednisolone
What are examples of muscarinic antagonists?
- Ipratropium
What are examples of cromones?
- Sodium Cromoglicate
- Nedocromil Sodium
What are examples of leukotriene receptor antagonists?
- Zafirlukast
- Montelukast
