ENT Flashcards
What are the sinuses responsible for?
Immune defence/air filtration through their mucus production.
- Ciliated nasal & sinal mucosae move mucus
- Nasal mucus traps bacteria and small particles
Describe nasal congestion.
- Excess nasal secretions
- Inflamed & swollen nasal mucosa
Causes: allergies & URT infections
What do histamine receptors do?
Mediator of allergic/ inflammatory reaction
Where are H1 receptors found and what is their function?
Smooth muscle, respiratory epithelium, endothelial cells, bronchial smooth muscle cells
F: vasodilation, bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion
Where are H2 receptors found and what is their function?
Gastric parietal cells
F: gastric acid secretion
Where are H3 receptors found and what is their function?
CNS
F: sleep/wake, cognition, neurotransmission
Where are H4 receptors found and what is their function?
Immune cells
F: immune response modulation
Describe the effects of histamine on the smooth muscle.
- Bronchial SM H1-R activation induces bronchoconstriction due to increases Ca 2+.
- Coupled to G-protein
- Activation causes increased Ca2+ leading to release of mediators
- Vascular SM H1-R activation induces vasodilation
- Relaxation of vascular SM & vasodilation increase BF and leakage from vessels into surrounding tissue leading to swelling.
- Irritation of airways and sinuses triggers mucus production which fills the sinuses.
What is the MOA of decongestants?
alpha1-R agonists - bind to receptors in URT triggering vasoconstriction
What are the two types of decongestants?
Adrenergics - largest group of sympathomimetics
Anticholinergics - less commonly used parasympatholytics
Oral decongestants
Adrenergic
- Prolonged effects but delayed onset
- Less potent than topical
- No rebound congestion
E.g. - pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine
What are the side effects of oral decongestants?
headaches
insomnia
dry mouth
What is the MOA of oral decongestants?
Bind to alpha1-R in URT and alpha1-R in blood vessels and some affinity for B-R in cardiac muscle - not suitable for patients with heart conditions
Topical decongestants
Adrenergic
- Constrict small blood vessels supplying URT
- Tissues shrink to open nasal passages - nasal secretion drain
- Relieves nasal stuffiness
- Prompt onset and optent effect
- Sustained use over several days causes rebound congestion
E.g. - oxymetazoline, xylometazoline
What are the side effects of topical decongestants?
CV effects
nasal dryness
headache/nausea