Part 11 - Pulmonology Flashcards
True or false: Asthma can present at any age
True
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_____ variant in the beta2-receptor has been associated with reduced response to beta 2 agonists in asthma
Arg-Gly-16
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Genetic predisposition to asthma: the most consistent findings have been associations with polymorphism of genes on what chromosome?
5q
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What is the “hygiene hypothesis” in asthma?
Lack of infections in early childhood preserves the T helper 2 (TH2) cell bias at birth, while exposure to infections and endotoxins result in a shift towards a predominant protective TH1 immune response
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True or false: The presence of intestinal parasite infection may be associated with a reduced risk for asthma
True
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Diets low in what substances/vitamins are associated with an increased risk for asthma?
Vitamins A, C, D Magnesium Selenium Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats (p. 1670)
Diets high in what substances/vitamins are associated with increased risk for asthma?
Sodium
Omega-6 polyunsaturated fats
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True or false: Obesity is an independent risk factor for asthma
True
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When is occupational asthma suspected?
When symptoms improve during weekends and holidays
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Endogenous risk factors for asthma
Genetic predisposition Autopsy Airway hyperresponsiveness Gender Ethnicity Obesity Early viral infections (p. 1670)
Environmental risk factors for asthma
Allergens (Indoor and outdoor) Occupational sensitizers Passive smoking Respiratory infections Diet Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) (p. 1670)
Asthma triggers
Allergens Upper respiratory tract viral infections Exercise and hyperventilation Cold air Sulfur dioxide and irritant gases Drugs (beta blockers, aspirin) Stress Irritants (household sprays, paint fumes) (p. 1670)
True or false: Patients with nonatopic or intrinsic asthma usually show later onset of disease and have more severe, persistent asthma
True
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What is the most common allergen to trigger asthma?
Dermatophagoides species
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What is thunderstorm asthma?
When pollen grains are disrupted in thunderstorms and particles that may be released can trigger severe asthma exacerbations
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True or false: The use of beta blockers in asthma is dangerous, including topical medications
True
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Mechanism for worsening asthma with the use of beta blockers
Cholinergic bronchoconstriction (p. 1671)
When does exercise-induced asthma typically begin and when does it resolve?
Begins after exercise has ended and resolves spontaneously within about 30 minutes
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How can exercise-induced asthma be prevented?
Prior administration of beta 2 agonists and anti-leukotrienes
Regular treatment with ICS (best)
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True or false: Laughter may be an asthma trigger
True
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Food preservative that may trigger asthma through the release of sulfur dioxide gas in the stomach
Metabisulfite
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In occupational asthma, there is usually complete recovery if removed from exposure within the first ____ months of symptoms
6
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True or false: Very severe stress (eg. bereavement) may improve asthma symptoms
True
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Inflammation in asthma is found in what anatomical structures?
Respiratory mucosa from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles, with predominance in the bronchi (cartilaginous airways)
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Mast cells are activated by allergens through what mechanism?
IgE-mediated
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Bronchoconstrictor mediators released by mast cells
Histamine
Prostaglandin D2
Cysteine-leukotrienes
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What cytokine is released from epithelial cells in asthmatic patients and instructs dendritic cells to release chemokines that attract T helper 2 cells?
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)
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What cytokine/s released from T helper 2 cells is/are associated with eosinophilic inflammation?
IL-5
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What cytokine/s released from T helper 2 cells is/are associated with increased IgE formation?
IL-4
IL-13
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What is the action of inflammatory mediators (eg. histamine, prostaglandin D2, cysteinyl-leukotrienes) in asthma?
1) Contract airway smooth muscle
2) Increase microvascular leakage
3) Increase airway mucus secretion
4) Attract other inflammatory cells
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What are the pathophysiologic mechanisms in asthma?
1) Hypertrophy/hyperplasia of airway smooth muscle cells
2) Mucus hyperplasia
3) Angiogenesis
4) Subepithelial fibrosis
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Anti-inflammatory cytokine/s that may be deficient in asthma
IL-10
IL-12
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Evidence for increased oxidative stress in asthma
Increased concentrations of 8-isoprostane and increased ethane
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What proinflammatory transcription factors are activated in asthmatic airways and orchestrate the expression of multiple inflammatory genes?
Nuclear factor-KB
Activator protein-1
GATA-3
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Subepithelial fibrosis in asthma is due to deposition of what type/s of collagen?
Type III and V
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What cytokine induces mucus hypersecretion in asthma?
IL-13
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What is the characteristic physiologic abnormality of asthma?
Airway hyperresponsiveness
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What are examples of direct bronchoconstrictors (in asthma)?
Histamine
Metacholine
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Spirometry findings in asthma
Reduced FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF
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Spirometry: Reversibility in asthma is demonstrated by?
1) >12% and 200 ml increase in FEV1 15 minutes after an inhaled SABA OR
2) 2-4 week trial of oral corticosteroids (prednisone or prednisolone 30-40 mg daily)
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What test can be used for differential diagnosis of chronic cough or when suspecting asthma but with normal pulmonary function tests?
Metacholine or histamine challenge
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CXR finding/s in asthma
Usually normal
Hyperinflated lungs (in more severe patients)
Possible pneumothorax (in exacerbations)
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Non-invasive test to measure airway inflammation
Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)
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Pharmacologic therapy for rapid relief of symptoms of asthma but has little or no effect on the underlying inflammatory process
Bronchodilators
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Three classes of bronchodilators in current use for asthma
Beta 2 adrenergic agonists
Anti-cholinergic
Theophylline
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Mode of action of beta 2 agonists for treatment of asthma
1) Relax airway smooth muscle cells of ALL airways
2) Inhibition of mast cell mediator release
3) Reduction in plasma exudation
4) Inhibition of sensory nerve activation
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What is the duration of action of SABAs?
3-6 hours
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What is the duration of action of LABAs?
Over 12 hours
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For asthma treatment, how many times is Indacaterol given per day?
Once daily
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Common side effects of beta 2 agonists
Muscle tremor
Palpitations
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What can be used as an additional bronchodilator in patients with asthma that is not controlled by ICS and LABA combinations?
Anticholinergics
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