Respiratory Flashcards
Components of respiratory system
ventilation and gas exchange
V/Q mismatch
ratio of oxygen to blood is not properly matched, leading to ventilation/perfusion misamtch or dead space ventilation
investigations for respiratory conditions
sputum examination, chest radiograph, CT scan, pulmonary function spirometry, bronchoscopy, VQ scan
drugs which improve airway patency [ability to breath]
bronchodilators [B2 agonist, anticholinergic]
anti-inflammatory [corticosteroid]
durgs which impair ventilation
beta blockers - make airway narrower, increase effect of smooth muscle constriction
respiratory depressants - benzodiazepine, opoids
drugs used to imrpove gas exchange
oxygen
inhaled drug delivery methods
meter dose inhaler (MDI) = puffer
breath activated device
methods to improve respiratory drug delivery
neubuliser = liquid drug in chamber, increased delivery, good in attack
spacer = using MDI, into chamber, get adequate drug volume
Beta-2 agonists short acting + examples
relieves symptoms and bronchoconstriction
onset of 2-3mins, lasts 4-6hours
treats and in anticipation
sulbutamol, terbutaline [BLUE INHALER]
Beta-2 agonists long acting + examples
relieves symptoms and bronchoconstriction
onset of 1-2hours, lasts 12-15hours
used to prevent, not in anticipation
always used with inhaled steroid
salmeterol [green inhaler]
anticholinergics
inhibits nerve transmission, helps in bronchial dilation with beta-agonists and effective in reducing mucus secretion
ipratropium [GREY INHALER]
corticosteroids
reduce inflammation in bronchial walls, mucus secretion
most effective
brown inhalers, orange inhaler, pink inhaler
asthma
common, reversible airwflow obstruction
bronchial hyperactivty, overreaction of the airway, causes bronchial change in the wall which narrows and restricts air in and out
asthma cellular response
allergen triggering of IgE production, B and T cell interaction, degranulation of mast cells = narrowing airway, oedema and mucus secretion
airways narrow due to;
- bronchial smooth muscle constriction
- bronchial mucosal oedema
- excessive mucous secretion into airway lumen
symptoms of asthma
cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, worse and night/early morning, difficulty breathing out
diagnosis of asthma
PEFR [tracks airway resistance, peak expiratory flow rate]
skin prick tests, biphasic response, spirometry
triggers of asthma
unknown, infections, environmental stimuli, cold air
risk assessment of treatment done by assessment of medication. what is the order
SA B2 agonist -> LD inhaled steroid -> LA B2 agonist -> others ->oral steroid/ever hospitalised
dental aspects of asthma
know px has asthma, know severity, know triggers, know how to assess and treat acute asthma attack
- blue inhaler, subsequent oxygen if needed
COPD
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
lung conditions which cause breathing difficulties
can be chronic bronchitis and emphysema
causes damage to airways and alveoli, meaning less ability to ventilate and have gas exchange
chronic bronchitis/bronchiectasis
disease of airways with recurring damage
damage to wall, increased mucus, less diameter for gas exchange
productive cough in winter
emphysema
destruction of alveoli sacs and dilation of others
less air, more inflammatory changes, increased cardiac size
symptoms of COPD
cough, mucus, fatigue, shortness of breath, dyspnoea, chest discomfort