Lecture 7: Asthma Flashcards
1
Q
how is asthma characterised
A
- at least one of breathlessness, wheeze, chest tightness, cough
- has variable airflow obstruction
- chronic airway inflammation
2
Q
what can be the causes of the airflow obstruction
A
- bronchoconstriction
- bronchial secretions and plugs of mucus
- oedema of bronchial wall
3
Q
what is atopy
A
- genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases
- by an exaggerated IgE immune response
4
Q
what is diurnal variation
A
when symptoms change during the day
5
Q
which drug can be triggers for asthma
A
- aspirin
- ibuprofen
- beta blockers
6
Q
how can you confirm if the airway obstruction is reversible
A
- give salbutamol
- must show 15% and 200ml improvement in FEV1 from baseline
7
Q
how can you confirm if the airway obstruction varies over time
A
- if peak expiratory flow rate monitoring shows 20% diurnal variation
- best of 3
8
Q
example of inhaled corticosteroids
A
- beclometasone
9
Q
examples of inhaled long acting beta 2 agonists
A
- formoterol
- salmeterol
10
Q
examples of oral treatment for asthma
A
- oral leukotriene antagonist
- oral theophyllines
- chronically poor control is given low dose longterm steroids
11
Q
examples of reliever medications
A
- salbutamol
- terbutaline
12
Q
what are the monoclonal antibody treatments for asthma
A
- anti IgE injections
- anti IL-5 treatment
13
Q
how is acute severe asthma managed
A
- corticosteroids eg prednisolone
- IV hydrocortisone if unable to take orally
- nebulised bronchodilators eg salbutamol
- if poor response, IV MgSO4
