Pharm Wk6 - Asthma Flashcards
What is asthma?
A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways
What mediators are released by mast cell activation in asthma?
Bronchoconstrictor mediators such as:
* Histamine
* Leukotriene D4
* Prostaglandin D2
What are the consequences of bronchoconstrictor mediator release?
Leads to:
* Smooth muscle contraction
* Vasodilation
* Microvascular leakage
* Plasma exudation
* Mucus hypersecretion
* Activation of sensory nerves
What is the long-term effect of chronic inflammation in asthma?
Irreversible fibrosis
At what age is asthma typically diagnosed?
In childhood
Is adult-onset asthma a possibility?
Yes, adult-onset asthma does exist
How have pharmaceutical standards for asthma treatment changed?
They have been converging for children and adults
What is the goal of asthma therapy for infants and children?
To prevent cough, wheeze, or shortness of breath that interferes with:
* Daytime activities
* Exercise
* School attendance
* Growth and development
* Sleep
What is a key goal regarding exacerbations for infants and children with asthma?
Prevent exacerbations requiring emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or systemic corticosteroids
What is the target for the use of short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs) in children?
To reduce to ≤2 doses/week
What pulmonary function measure should be achieved in children capable of performing tests?
Normal measures of pulmonary function, e.g., forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)
What should be avoided to minimize medication side effects in children?
Interference with normal growth
What is a primary goal of asthma therapy for adults?
Prevent asthma-related mortality
What should be maintained for adults with asthma?
Asthma control and normal activity levels
What is the goal for daytime symptoms in adults with asthma?
Goal: ≤twice/week for symptoms such as cough, wheeze, dyspnea
What is the goal for nocturnal symptoms in adults with asthma?
Goal: none for night waking
What is the goal for the need for reliever therapy in adults?
Goal: ≤twice/week
What is essential for optimal asthma management in adults?
Provide optimal pharmacotherapy and avoid adverse effects
What are inhaled corticosteroids primarily used for?
Long-term asthma control
Inhaled corticosteroids are the mainstay for managing asthma over the long term.
How do inhaled corticosteroids work at the genetic level?
They alter the transcription of many genes
This includes increasing transcription of β2 adrenergic receptor and anti-inflammatory cytokines while decreasing proinflammatory cytokines.
What effect do inhaled corticosteroids have on proinflammatory cells?
Induce apoptosis
This helps reduce inflammation in the airways.
Do inhaled corticosteroids directly affect mast cells?
No
Many mast cell mediators are performed, so the effect is indirect over time due to overall muting of the inflammatory response.
What is the effect of inhaled corticosteroids on vascular permeability?
Reduce it
This leads to decreased airway edema.
What modification is commonly made to inhaled corticosteroids to reduce systemic exposure?
Increasing susceptibility to first-pass effect or using a prodrug version
For example, ciclesonide is activated by lung esterases.