Lower Respiratory Agents Flashcards
What is a bronchodilator?
medication used to facilitate respirations by dilating the airways
When do we use bronchodilators?
helpful in symptomatic relief or prevention of bronchial asthma and bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
What is Cheyne-Stokes respiration?
abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by apneic periods followed by periods of tachypnea
may be an expression of delayed blood flow through the brain
What are leukotriene receptor antagonists?
drugs that selectively and competitively block or antagonize receptors fort he production of leukotrienes D4 and E4, components of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRSA)
What is a mast cell stabilizer?
a drug that works at the cellular level to inhibit the release of histamine and the release of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRSA)
What is histamine?
substance released from mast cells in response to inflammation or irritation
What are sympathomimetics?
drugs that mimic the effects of the SNS
What are xanthines?
naturally occurring substances, including caffeine and theophylline, that have a direct effect on the smooth muscle of the respiratory tract, both in the bronchi and in the blood vessels
What are the parts of the lower respiratory tract and what happens there?
Bronchial tree and alveoli
Where gas exchange occurs
Why do we use lower respiratory tract agents?
Asthma COPD (Emphysema and Chronic bronchitis) Pneumonia Respiratory distress syndrome (neonates) Adults respiratory distress syndrome
When do we use lower respiratory tract agents for children?
Asthma
Which lower respiratory agents do we use for children?
Anti-asthmatics
Leukotriene receptor antagonists
SABA (short acting beta agonists)
LA inhaled steroid
If none of these work, we use Theophylline
What should we teach children taking lower respiratory tract agents?
Avoid allergens, smoke, crowds, dusty areas
How to administer and when
Does treatment for asthma in the child stay the same or change of the child grows?
Changes with growth
What are the considerations for adults taking lower respiratory agents?
Avoid aggravating factors/triggers
Have periodic spirometry (measures how well the lungs are working)
Get periodic review of treatment regimen to ensure effectiveness
Safety in PG and Lactation has NOT been established
