Respiratory Flashcards
Does asthma symptoms occur more at night or during the day?
At night which interrupts sleep
Medications that trigger asthma?
NSAIDs and beta-blockers
What is the first step in asthma treatment in children 12+ and adults?
SABA PRN
If SABA is not sufficient in treatment of asthma in children 12+ and adults?
Add a regular preventer = low dose ICS
Examples of low dose ICS?
Beclometasone 200-400mcg
Budesonide 400mcg
Fluticasone 200mcg
Mometasone 400mcg
Ciclesonide 169mcg
When would a patient need to step up their asthma treatment?
Use their SABA or have symptoms 3+ times a week
Night time waking once a week
Asthma attack in the last 2 years requiring oral steroids
Initial add on therapy to SABA + ICS in asthma?
LABA as fixed dose BD or MART (maintainable and reliever therapy)
What is LABA MART therapy?
LABA (E.g. formoterol) + ICS in one inhaler
Do you still give SABA with MART therapy?
No. MART therapy is sufficient as a reliever
What is the next step after a LABA in asthma for children 12+ or adults?
Consider stopping the LABA if no response.
Increase ICS dose or add a leukotriene receptor antagonist (E.g. montelukast)
What is the next step in asthma management for children 12+ or adults who have not been managed with medium dose ICS or LTRA?
Refer - may be be started on oral steroids or theophylline
When should an asthma patient be urgently assessed?
> 1 inhaler per month
Is formoterol (LABA) fast acting?
Yes which is why it can replace a SABA in MART treatment
How does asthma treatment in children vary?
Doses of ICS are lower I.E. stepped up from very low to low if needed
LTRA can be started at any step including as an alternative to LABA
At what age is LABA not licensed for use in asthma?
< 5 give LTRA instead
How long do effects of SABAs last?
3-5 hours
Refer to doctor if less
Side effects of SABA / LABA?
Hypokalaemia
Tremors or headaches
CVS effects including palpitations
SABA dose?
1-2 puffs QDS PRN
Can you take a SABA dose before exercise to prevent symptoms?
Yes
Which electrolyte disturbance is caused by Prednisolone or theophylline?
Hypokalaemia
Caution when taking with SABA / LABA
Relationship between potassium and glucose?
Hypokalaemia = hyperglycaemia
And vice versa
Storage for fostair inhalers?
Keep in the fridge
Dose of LABA inhalers?
BD + reliever doses in MART
Can a LABA be used without an ICS?
No
How long does it take for an ICS to work?
7-14 days
Dose of ICS?
BD
Except Ciclesonide = OD
What colour inhaler is beclometasone?
Brown
Should beclometasone CFC free inhalers be prescribed by brand?
Yes
Which beclometasone inhaler is more potent, Qvar or Clenil?
Qvar is twice as potent as Clenil
Licensing age of beclometasone easyhaler?
18+
Licensing age for becolometasone Qvar/Clenil inhaler?
12+
Side effects of ICS?
Oral thrush - do not need to stop
Hoarse voice and sore throat
Bronchospasm - stop - mild cases can be prevented by using SABA before use
How to avoid oral candidiasis in ICS?
Use a spacer
Rinse mouth and brush teeth after use
Ensure proper technique
Can treat with miconazole OTC and no need to stop inhaler
When should LTRAs be taken?
At night
Side effects of LTRAs?
Neuropsychiatric reactions - report changes in speech or behaviour including speech impairment and obsessive-convulsive symptoms
Church-Strauss syndrome - inflammation of blood vessels reducing blood flow to organs and tissues
How often is theophylline given?
Every 12 hours
Theophylline therapeutic index?
10-20mg/L
Is theophylline brand specific?
Yes