COPD + allergies pt 1 Flashcards
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
A chronic, progressive, largely irreversible disease characterized by airflow restrictions and inflammation.
What are the characteristic symptoms of COPD?
Chronic cough, excessive sputum production, wheezing, dyspnea, poor exercise tolerance.
What is the primary cause of COPD?
Smoking cigarettes (85-90% of cases).
What are the two main processes involved in COPD?
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
What characterizes chronic bronchitis?
Chronic cough and excessive sputum production.
What characterizes emphysema?
Enlargement of air spaces in bronchioles & alveoli due to wall deterioration.
Can COPD medications cure the disease?
No, they only relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
How do COPD medications compare to asthma medications?
The same drugs are used, but in COPD, bronchodilators are given first, then steroids (opposite of asthma).
What is the first-line treatment for COPD?
Bronchodilators.
What are the types of bronchodilators used in COPD?
LABAs, long-acting anticholinergics, and theophylline (last resort).
When are glucocorticoids used in COPD?
Long-term inhaled glucocorticoids are used when long-acting bronchodilators are inadequate.
Should glucocorticoids be used alone in COPD?
No, they should be given with a LABA.
What medication is used only for COPD and not asthma?
Roflumilast (Daliresp), a phosphodiesterase Type 4 inhibitor.
What are the effects of Roflumilast (Daliresp)?
Reduces inflammation, cough, and excessive mucus production.
What are the adverse effects of Roflumilast?
Diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss, nausea, headache, back pain, insomnia, depression.
When is long-term oxygen therapy prescribed in COPD?
In later stages to decrease mortality.
What causes allergic rhinitis?
Exposure to pollen or another antigen.
What drug classes are used to treat allergic rhinitis?
Glucocorticoids (intranasal), antihistamines (oral & intranasal), sympathomimetics (oral & intranasal).
What are examples of intranasal glucocorticoids used for allergic rhinitis?
Fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua), beclomethasone, triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ), flunisolide.
What is the first-choice treatment for allergic rhinitis?
Intranasal glucocorticoids – most effective for treatment & prevention.
What are the adverse effects of intranasal glucocorticoids?
Mild: sore throat, epistaxis, headache, burning sensation.
How do oral antihistamines work?
They block H1 receptors.
When should oral antihistamines be taken for best effect?
Regularly during allergy season as prophylaxis.
What are examples of 1st-generation oral antihistamines?
Diphenhydramine, promethazine, chlorpheniramine, hydroxyzine, doxylamine, cyproheptadine, dexchlorpheniramine, clemastine, tiprolidine, carbinoxamine, dimenhydrinate, meclizine.
What are examples of 2nd-generation oral antihistamines?
Loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, desloratadine, levocetirizine.
What conditions can oral antihistamines treat?
Mild & serious allergic reactions, motion sickness, insomnia, nausea/vomiting.
Do oral antihistamines reduce nasal congestion?
No.
What are common adverse effects of oral antihistamines?
Sedation (1st gen > 2nd gen), anticholinergic effects (1st gen > 2nd gen), GI effects (N/V/Constipation).
Why should CNS depressants and alcohol be avoided with oral antihistamines?
They increase sedation effects.
What are potential adverse effects of antihistamines in children?
Acute toxicity, paradoxical excitation, hallucinations, incoordination, seizures.
