Asthma - VIVA Flashcards
symptoms
cough
wheeze
breathlessness
chest tightness
airflow obstructions
(Asthma + Lung UK, 2022)
when do symptoms worsen
worse at night and early in morning
when provoked by triggers
(Asthma + Lung UK, 2022)
peak flow tests measure
maximum flow of air expelled from lungs following a full inspiration
rate is lower when airways are obstructed
normal peak flow rate in adults
between around 400 and 700 litres per minute
(British Lung Foundation , 2020)
asthma is
chronic respiratory condition associated with airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness
(Asthma + Lung UK, 2022)
UK population with asthma
12%
(National Institute for Health and Care Excellence , 2021)
advantages of peak expiratory flow tests
low cost
high availability and portability
provides early signs of compromised airways
can be used independently and in home settings
can be measured at different times, places, environments for variability in results of resp function
(Myatt, 2017)
disadvantages of PEFR
offers only partial info about someones resp capacity status
results may be non-specific
(Myatt, 2017)
how PEFR helps with diagnosis
pts can keep diaries for two or more weeks to show a pattern overtime
is used alongside other tests like spirometry and FeNO for a complete diagnosis
(Asthma + Lung UK, 2022)
how PEFR monitors asthma
can be done at home and recorded in PEFR diary
shows any changes overtime
helps understanding of triggers and when symptoms worsen
can reduce risk of AA
useful when recording AA or when treatment changes
(Asthma + Lung UK, 2022)
NICE guideline 8
- Use evidence-based, best practice approaches for meeting needs for respiratory care and support, accurately assessing the person’s capacity for independence and self-care and initiating appropriate interventions
NICE guideline 8.3
8.3 take and interpret peak flow and oximetry measurements
budesonide inhalers
Non-proprietary easy haler
Budelin Novolizer
Pulmicort Turbohaler
