COPD and ASTHMA management

Question 1

What is asthma?

Answer 1

Asthma = chronic lung condition that can be controlled but not cured

• a respiratory condition marked by attacks of spasm in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing
• diagnosed though  clinical findings and lung function tests

Question 2

What are the principles of asthma management?

Answer 2

• Confirming the diagnosis
• Assessing asthma control
• Identifying management goals in collaboration with the patient
• Reviewing and adjusting drug treatment periodically
- develop asthma plan
• Providing information, skills and tools for self-management

Question 3

Guidelines of asthma and COPD management

Answer 3

C = Case identification and confirm diagnosis 
O = optimise function 
P = prevent deterioration 
D = develop plan of care 
X - Exacerbations management

Question 4

Management of acute asthma?

Answer 4

Severe asthma = asthma that remains uncontrolled despite high dose inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting beta 2 agonist
• Assessing severity, while starting bronchodilator treatment immediately
• Administering O2 if required and titrating to target of 92-95%
• Completing observations and assessments based on severity
• Administering systemic corticosteroids in first hour
• Reassessing response to treatment
• Observe patient for at least an hour after dyspnoea

Question 5

Common treatments fo asthma non pharmacological

Answer 5

• Asthma treatment concentrates on management of symptoms and prevention of exacerbation of symptoms
  o Assessing control
  o Identifying management goals
  o Choosing, reviewing and adjusting right treatment
  o Providing skills and tools for self-management (patient education)
  o Education patient about smoking harmful effects

Question 6

Common treatments fo asthma pharmacological

Answer 6

o Short acting beta agonist (SABA) – most common
o Inhaler cortical steroids (ICS)
o Long-acting Beta agonist (LABA)

Question 7

What is COPD?

Answer 7

= A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.

• Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, bronchiectasis and cystis fibrosis
• Decreased elastic recoil, fibrotic changes in lung parenchyma and liminal obstruction due to increased mucus secretions leads to increased airway resistance
• Expiratory flow limitation promotes hyperinflation
• Progressive hypoxia leads to vascular smooth muscle thickening - pulmonary hypertension
• Airflow limitation is usually progressive and associated with abnormal inflammatory response to noxious particles or gases

Question 8

What are the principles of COPD management?

Answer 8

• Optimize function (respiratory function)
• Maintain quality of life
• Reduce hospital readmissions

Question 9

Common treatments for COPD?

Answer 9

• Bronchodilators
• Corticosteroids. …
• Antibiotics. …
• Smoking cessation medications. …
• Anxiolytics