Management of Asthma Flashcards

1
Q

What is the role of Short-Acting Beta-Agonists (SABAs) in asthma?

A

SABAs, like albuterol, provide quick bronchodilation to relieve acute asthma symptoms.

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1
Q

How do SABAs work?

A

They stimulate β2-adrenoceptors in the lungs, causing relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle.

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2
Q

Give an example of a SABA

A

Albuterol (salbutamol).

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3
Q

What is a side effect of SABAs?

A

Common side effects include tremor, nervousness, and increased heart rate.

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4
Q

What is the role of anticholinergics in asthma?

A

Anticholinergics, like ipratropium, help bronchodilate by blocking muscarinic receptors.

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5
Q

What is the mainstay of long-term asthma control?

A

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) like fluticasone and budesonide.

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6
Q

How do inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) work in asthma?

A

They reduce inflammation in the airways, decreasing sensitivity and frequency of asthma attacks.

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7
Q

Name a potential side effect of inhaled corticosteroids.

A

Oral thrush, which can be minimized by rinsing the mouth after use.

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8
Q

When are Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs) used in asthma treatment?

A

LABAs, like salmeterol, are used as maintenance therapy in combination with ICS for long-term control.

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9
Q

Why should LABAs not be used alone in asthma?

A

They can mask worsening inflammation, so they are only recommended alongside ICS.

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10
Q

Give an example of a LABA.

A

Salmeterol or formoterol.

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11
Q

What are Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (LTRAs) used for in asthma?

A

LTRAs, like montelukast, reduce airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction by blocking leukotrienes.

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12
Q

How are LTRAs administered?

A

They are taken orally, usually as tablets.

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13
Q

Name a side effect of montelukast.

A

Possible mood changes or increased risk of suicidal thoughts in some patients.

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14
Q

What is the role of mast cell stabilizers in asthma?

A

Mast cell stabilizers, like cromolyn sodium, prevent the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells.

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15
Q

Why are mast cell stabilizers rarely used in asthma today?

A

Newer medications are often more effective, but they can be useful in certain cases of mild asthma.

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16
Q

What are monoclonal antibodies used for in asthma?

A

They are used for severe asthma cases, especially if the patient has allergic asthma.

17
Q

Give an example of a monoclonal antibody used in asthma.

A

Omalizumab, which targets IgE.

18
Q

How does omalizumab work in asthma?

A

It binds to IgE, preventing it from triggering allergic inflammation.

19
Q

When are oral corticosteroids used in asthma?

A

For short courses during severe asthma exacerbations.

20
Q

Name an example of an oral corticosteroid used in asthma.

A

Prednisone.

21
Q

What are some side effects of long-term oral corticosteroid use?

A

Osteoporosis, weight gain, and adrenal suppression.

22
Q

What is a combination inhaler in asthma treatment?

A

An inhaler that contains both an ICS and a LABA.

23
Q

Give an example of a combination inhaler.

A

Fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair).

24
Q

Why is it important to rinse the mouth after using ICS?

A

To prevent oral thrush (candidiasis).

25
Q

Why are beta-agonists effective in asthma treatment?

A

They relax bronchial smooth muscle, relieving bronchoconstriction.

26
Q

What is a common side effect of beta-agonists?

A

Increased heart rate or tremors.

27
Q

How do anticholinergics aid in asthma management?

A

They reduce mucus production and prevent bronchoconstriction by blocking muscarinic receptors.

28
Q

Why should ICS and LABAs always be used together in asthma?

A

To provide both anti-inflammatory effects and sustained bronchodilation without masking inflammation.

29
Q

What is the purpose of using a spacer with an inhaler?

A

It helps improve drug delivery to the lungs and reduces medication deposition in the mouth.

30
Q

Why might a patient with asthma be prescribed a monoclonal antibody?

A

If they have severe, uncontrolled allergic asthma despite other treatments.

31
Q

What should be monitored when a patient is on long-term ICS?

A

Growth in children, bone density, and signs of adrenal suppression.

32
Q

Why are LTRAs advantageous in asthma management?

A

They provide an oral option for patients with mild asthma or for those with concurrent allergic rhinitis.

32
Q

How often should SABAs be used by asthma patients?

A

Only as needed for acute symptom relief; frequent use indicates poor asthma control.

33
Q

What is the benefit of quick-relief medications like SABAs in asthma?

A

They provide rapid relief of acute symptoms.

34
Q

Which class of drugs directly reduces inflammation in asthma?

A

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).

35
Q

Why are oral corticosteroids avoided for long-term asthma control?

A

Due to significant systemic side effects with prolonged use.

36
Q

What type of asthma are monoclonal antibodies primarily used for?

A

Severe, allergic asthma unresponsive to conventional therapies.

37
Q

Why might a beta-blocker be contraindicated in asthma?

A

It can block β2-receptors, leading to bronchoconstriction.

38
Q

What combination might be prescribed for moderate-to-severe persistent asthma?

A

An ICS/LABA combination inhaler for daily use, with a SABA for rescue.