CHAPTER 3: Respiratory: Asthma Flashcards
Which groups of people can find pMDI difficult to use? (2)
- Elderly
2. Children
What device can children and the elderly be given to help them use pMDIs?
Spacer device
If they cannot use a pMDI, who can benefit from a dry powder inhaler?
Adults and children over 5
Provided the can use the device effectively, who are breath actuated devices suitable for?
Adults and older children
What may occur as a side effect of using a dry powder inhaler?
Coughing
What do spacer devices remove the need for?
Coordination between actuation and inhalation of pMDI
What does a space device reduce?
- Velocity of particle
2. Impaction on the back of the throat
What does a spacer device allow more time for?
Inhalation
Who are spacer devices particularly useful for? (4)
- Poor inhalation technique
- Children
- High dose ICS
- Oral thrush with ICS
Which is the most effective spacer device?
A one way valve volumatic
Are spacer devices interchangeable?
No, patients should be advised not to switch between them
When using spacer devices, what type of breathing is as effective than single breaths?
Tidal breathing
How often should a spacer device be cleaned?
Once a month
When cleaning a spacer device, what must a patient NOT do? (2)
- Rinse it
2. Dry it
How often should spacers be replaced?
Every 6-12 months
In which condition are nebulisers used?
Severe acute asthma
How long are nebulisers administered for?
5-10 minutes
What are nebulisers driven by?
Oxygen
Why is it preferable for patients to have oxygen during a severe acute asthma attack instead of a beta2 agonist?
Beta2 agonist can increase arterial hypoxaemia
What are the main indications for use of a nebuliser? (6)
- Beta2 agonist - acute exacerbation of asthma
- Ipatropium - acute exacerbation of COPD
- Beta2 agonist, ICS, Ipatropium - regular administration for severe asthma/reversible obstruction
- Antibiotic - CF
- Budesonide/adrenaline - severe croup
- Pentamidine - prophylaxis and treatment PCP
The use of nebulisers in persistent asthma and COPD should be considered in which situations? (4) - Patient should have a 2 week trial
- Review of diagnosis
- Review of therapy and inhaler technique
- Increased doses from hand-held devices have been tried for 2 weeks
- Patient remains breathless after trying multiple things
What is the proportion of the drug to reach the lungs after administration via nebuliser?
10%
Give 4 examples of drugs that can be given by mouth
- Beta2 agonists
- Corticosteroids
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists
- Theophylline
- Aminophylline
Give 3 examples of drugs that can be given IV
- Beta2 agonists
- Corticosteroids
- Aminophylline
Asthma is characterised by broncoconstriction, what are the most frequent symptoms? (4)
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing
Broncoconstriction in asthma is usually reversible, however it may get worse and which medical emergency can it trigger?
Asthma attack
What is complete control of asthma defined as? (5)
- No daytime symptoms
- No night-time waking due to asthma
- No asthma attacks
- No need for rescue medication
- Normal lung function
Which FEV1/Peak flow i considered to be normal lung function?
Over 80%
Which lifestyle advice can be given to people with asthma? (3)
- Weight loss
- Smoking cessation
- Breathing exercises
Before stepping up treatment for asthma, what must you first check? (3)
- Compliance
- Inhaler technique
- Triggers
What is the first step of treatment for mild or intermittent asthma?
- What is step 4?
STEP 1: Inhaled SABA PRN
- LABA
- Increase dose ICS / + LRA / + MR Theophylline + MR oral BA
Asthma: When should the patient be moved on to step 2? (3)
- Using the inhaler >3 times a week
- Any night time symptoms
- Asthma attack within the last 2 years
Asthma: What is step 2?
STEP 2: SABA PRN + Regular ICS
Asthma: What is step 3?
STEP 2: SABA PRN + Regular ICS + Regular LABA
Asthma: What are the options for step 4? (4)
STEP 4:
- Increase dose ICS
- Leukotriene receptor antagonist
- MR Theophylline
- MR Oral beta agonist
Asthma: What is step 5?
STEP 5:
Regular oral steroids
Which drugs can be used as inhaled SABA? (STEP 1) (2)
- Salbutamol
2. Terbutaline
Which drugs can be used as ICS? (STEP 2) (4)
- Beclometasone
- Budesonide
- Mometasone
- Fluticasone
What is the ICS dose for a child 5-12?
200-400mcg/day