Final Exam - Asthma & COPD Flashcards
What is the primary pathophysiological feature of asthma involving the airways?
Inflammation of the airways in asthma leads to increased bronchial smooth muscle contraction and a loss of normal bronchial elasticity. Importantly, these changes are reversible.
What is the key pathophysiological feature of COPD that differentiates it from asthma?
Inflammation primarily affects the smaller airways as a protective response to inhaled toxins. This leads to tissue destruction, impairment of repair mechanisms that limit tissue destruction, an imbalance between proteases and antiproteases, and an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. These changes are often irreversible.
What is a characteristic clinical presentation of asthma in terms of symptoms and wheezing?
Classical wheezing is a common clinical feature of asthma, often triggered by various factors. Additional symptoms include chest tightness, shortness of breath, and an early onset of symptoms.
What clinical symptoms are often associated with COPD?
persistent cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath. These symptoms typically have a late onset.
What differentiates the reversibility of airflow obstruction between asthma and COPD?
Airflow obstruction in asthma is reversible, whereas in COPD, it is largely irreversible.
What is the primary rationale for drug use in the treatment of asthma?
In asthma is to achieve symptom control and relief, as well as to prevent exacerbations, acute asthma attacks, and death
Why are drugs used in the management of asthma aimed at improving and maintaining lung function and quality of life (QoL)?
Asthma medications are used to improve and maintain lung function and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals with asthma.
What is the main goal of drug use in COPD management in terms of symptoms and exacerbations?
Provide symptom relief and to prevent or treat exacerbations and complications associated with COPD.
How do drugs in COPD management aim to enhance exercise tolerance and quality of life (QoL)?
To improve exercise tolerance and overall quality of life for individuals living with the condition.
What do asthma and COPD share in terms of their rationale for drug use?
Common goal of symptom relief and the prevention of exacerbations, which are essential aspects of managing these respiratory conditions.
What is a key similarity in the treatment of asthma and COPD with regards to the use of short-acting beta-agonists (SABA)?
Both require access to short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) as a “reliever” for acute attacks.
How do the treatment options for asthma and COPD differ in terms of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)?
In asthma, treatment options may include low-dose ICS alone or in combination with a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). For severe cases, high-dose ICS in combination with LABA or add-on leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) is considered. However, LABA is not advised to be used as monotherapy in asthma.
What are the primary treatment options for COPD?
Treatment options include short-acting muscarinic antagonists (SAMA) or long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA), LABA, and ICS. LABA is often used as monotherapy for COPD after SAMA/LAMA therapy.
What potential risk is associated with the use of ICS in COPD patients?
risk of pneumonia.
What is a key difference between the use of LABA in asthma and COPD?
LABA is not advised to be used as monotherapy in asthma, but it is often used as monotherapy for COPD after SAMA/LAMA therapy.
