Pulmonology Flashcards
Describe the primary pathophysiology of asthma.
Bronchial hyperreactivity, inflammation of airways, increased mucus production.
Define atopy.
The genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases
What is the atopic triad associated with asthma?
wheeze, eczema, seasonal rhinitis
What findings in pulmonary function testing are indicative of asthma?
FEV1:FVC ratio < 75%
< 12% inc in FEV1 after bronchodilator therapy
WHat ABG findings are indicative of severe asthma?
PaO2 < 60 and PaCO2 > 45
When is CXR indicated in the evaluation of an asthma patient?
Only if pneumonia or other Dx is suspected –> asthma will show hyperinflation
How are hand-held peak expiratory flow meters used in the management of asthma?
Can be used at home to estimate variability and quantify the severity of attacks.
When asthma is suspected but spirometry is non-diagnostic, what testing is performed and what result indicates asthma?
Histamine/Methacholine challenge –> FEV1 decrease of more than 20% is diagnostic for asthma.
Describe the pharmacologic options for long term asthma management.
inhaled corticosteroids, cromolyn (MAST cell stabilizer), nedocromil (anti0inflamatory), LABA, leukotriene antagonists (reduce mucus), theophyline.
Describe the pharmacologic options for short term asthma management.
SABAs, systemic corticosteroids, ipratropium bromide (anti-Ach)
What is the most effective anti-inflammatory for the management of chronic asthma?
Inhaled corticosteroids
Describe the 6 steps of therapy recommended in the management of asthma.
1: SABA PRN
2: Low dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
3: Low dose ICS + LABA or medium dose ICS
4: Medium dose ICS + LABA
5: High dose ICS + LABA
6: High dose ICS, LABA, and PO cosrticosteroid
Define normal FEV1:FVC ratio by age.
< 20: 85%
20 - 39: 80%
40 - 59: 75%
>/= 60: 70%
Describe the PFT findings associated with mild, moderate, and severe asthma.
mild: FEV1 > 80% predicted, ratio normal
moderate: FEV1 60-80% of predicted, ratio dec by 5%
severe: FEV1 < 60% predicted, ratio dec by > 5%
What is the cardinal sign of bronchitis?
Cough for at least 1 week
T/F: Color of sputum is predictive of bacterial involvement in bronchitis.
False
Describe how a diagnosis of bronchitis is made.
Mostly clinical –> CXR negative for pneumonia
What supportive therapy may be used in the management of bronchitis?
hydration, expectorants, analgesics, B2 agonists, antitussives
T/F: Non-prescription cough and cold products should not be used in children less than 2.
True
What is the most common etiology of an acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and what is the recommended treatment?
Usually bacterial –> empiric first line treatment is 2nd gen cephalosporin, second line is Bactrim or a second gen macrolide (azithromycin/clarithromycin)
When should antibiotics be used in the management of bronchitis?
Elderly, immunocompromised, underlying respiratory disease –> no statistical benefit of antibiotics in healthy patients.
What is the most common etiology of bronchitis not related to a COPD exacerbation?
Viral –> usually adenovirus
Define COPD.
Progressive, largely irreversible airflow obstruction due to loss of elastic recoil and increasing airway
resistance
Describe the relationship of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Both are COPDs that usually coexist with one being more predominant than the other.