Class 23 review Flashcards
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. When the airways become inflamed, some obstruction of airflow occurs and we will see symptoms like breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness. The airways become hyper-responsive to certain triggers that can bring on an asthma attack.
Diagnosis of asthma
spirometry
exacerbation
When a person with COPD has a sudden increase in symptoms. Symptoms are worse for a period of time and then may improve. Exacerbations are often precipitated by respiratory illness such as colds, pneumonia and influenza. Exacerbations of COPD are frequently the cause of hospitalization. Dyspnea, cough, sputum
Asthma triggers
Allergens
Exercise
Respiratory infection
Nose & sinus problem
Drugs (NSAIDS, beta blockers)
GERD
Air pollutants
Emotional stress
Early phase response of asthma
Bronchospasm. Increased mucus secretion, edema formation, and increased amounts of sputum
30-60 min
Late phase response of asthma
Primarily inflammation
Peaks 5-12 hrs
Corticosteroids are effective in preventing and reversing this cycle
If not treated, may lead to irreversible lung damage
Asthma clinical picture
Obstruction & air trapping
Dyspnea & chest tightness
Speech 1-2 words
Anxiety, distress
Tachycardia
Initially low O2 low CO2
SABAs - Inhaled
B-Adrenergic agonists
- prevent release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells
- SABAs not for ongoing long-term use
- onset of action in minutes and duration of 4-8 hr
SABAs example
Salbutamol (Ventolin)
LABAs - Inhaled
- long-acting: take q12h
- used for long-term control asthma
- control - not a rescue inhaler
- works by same mechanisms as SABAs
- can be combined with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (fluticasone)
LABAs example
Salmeterol (Serevent diskus)
Anticholinergic - Inhaled
- block action of acetylcholine
- usually used in combination with another bronchodilator
- most common adverse effect is dry mouth
Anticholinergic example
Ipratropium (Atrovent)
Methylxanthines
- less effective long-term bronchodilator
- controller after trying ICS, LABA, and LTRAs
- Narrow toxic/ therapeutic ratio and frequent adverse events
Methylxanthines example
Theophylline
Corticosteroids
- decreases inflammation in airways by suppressing immune response
- reduce bronchial hyper-responsiveness
- decreases mucus production
- are taken on a fixed schedule
- oropharyngeal candidiasis, hoarseness, and a dry cough are local adverse effects of inhaled drug
- adverse effects can be reduced by a spacer or gargling after use
- taken daily, not a rescue drug