drug therapy for asthma and bronchoconstriction Flashcards
describe bronchoconstrictive disorder
-airway hyperresponsiveness
-bronchoconstriction
-inflammation, mucousal edema
-excessive mucus production (asthma, bronchitis, emphysema)
describe the etiology of asthma
-type 1 hypersensitivity
-genetic IgE hypersensitivity reaction
-can occur at any age
-more common in African Americans and Hispanics
name some different stimuli for asthma
-viral infections
-environmental irritants
-stress/emotion
-strenuous activity
-temp/weather changes
describe the pathophysiology of asthma
-muscle contraction narrows airways
-inflammatory response (mast cells -> cytokine released -> inflammation)
describe the long term effects of asthma
-mild to moderate asthma is recurrent and reversible
-advanced or severe asthma is less reversible, chronis inflammation, and leads to structural changes
describe the manifestations of asthma
bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and hyperresponsiveness cause:
-dyspnea
-wheezing
-chronic cough
-peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) decrease
-vary moderate to severe symptoms
-acute flare lasts minutes to hours
what is status asthmaticus
-worst type of flare
-acute severe asthma
-doesnt respond to usual treatments
-severe respiratory distress
-life threatening
describe chronic bronchitis
-frequent productive cough more than 3months/year for two years
-increased mucus leads to airway narrowing, chronic changes
describe emphysema
-enlargement and destruction of alveoli r/t long term lung damage (usually seen in smokers)
-loss of elasticity and surface area
-carbon dioxide trapping
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describe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
-chronic bronchitis AND emphysema (bronchitis can lead to emphysema)
-usually develops with long standing exposure to airway irritants (ex. cigarette smoke)
what are the symptoms of COPD
more constant and less reversible
-dyspnea
-activity intolerance
-air trapping
true or false?
there are no long term effects of asthma
false
chronic asthma leads to structural changes (fibrosis, enlarged smooth muscle cells, enlarged mucous glands) known as airway remodeling
patients with bronchoconstrictive disorders will report difficulty with which of the following?
A) inhaling
B) swallowing
C) coughing
D) exhaling
D) exhaling
bronchoconstrictive disorders are known to make exhalation difficult bc excess mucus and airway narrowing from inflammation makes it difficult for air to exit the alveoli (air trapping)
what is the goal of drug therapy for asthma and bronchoconstriction?
-prevent airway inflammation
-minimize use of “rescue drugs”
what are the main treatments of asthma and bronchoconstriction?
theres 2
-bronchodilators (adrenergics, anticholinergics, xanthines)
-anti-inflammatories (corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, mast cell stabilizers, immunosuppressants)
what is the most effective and first choice treatment to relieve acute asthma?
administering bronchodilators by inhalation
what are the two types of inhaled beta2-adrenergic agonists used for asthma management?
-rescue inhalant (quick relief, short acting; used during periods of acute sx and exacerbations)
-maintenance inhalant (long term used to achieve and maintain prophylactic control of persistent asthma)
give two examples of beta2-adrenergic agonists
-albuterol (rescue)
-salmeterol (maintenance)
what do beta2-adrenergic agonists do?
-drugs in this class stimulate beta2-adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchi and bronchioles
-the receptors, in turn, stimulate production of cyclic AMP
-the increased cyclic AMP produces bronchodilation
describe the use of beta2-adrenergic agonists
-treat or prevent bronchoconstriction
-can be used in children and older adults
-large doses used in critical care short term
-available as nebulizer, MDI, or oral