Respiratory Flashcards
Describe the pathophysiology of a cold (2)
- Inflammatory response –> increased mucus
- Mucous drips down the pharynx –> esophagus –> lower respiratory tract
Release of inflammatory substances in the case of a cold causes …
Dilation - nasal congestion
Describe the mechanism of action of antihistamines
Block histamine receptors
Do NOT push off histamine that is …
Already bound to a receptor (compete for unoccupied receptors)
Histamines are beneficial when …
Given early
What are the functions of histamine 1? (2)
- Smooth muscle contraction
- Capillary dilation
What are the functions of histamine 2? (2)
- Heart rate acceleration
- Gastric acid secretion
Excessive release of histamine can lead to ______
Anaphylaxis
What are the indications of antihistamines? (3)
- Allergies / urticaria
- Motion sickness
- Parkinson’s disease
What are the contraindications of antihistamines? (5)
- BPH
- Bronchial asthma
- COPD
- Narrow angle glaucoma
- Seizure disorders
What is the primary side effect of antihistamines?
Drowsiness
What are the anticholinergic effects of antihistamines? (4)
- Dry mouth
- Visual changes
- Urinary retention
- Constipation
Antihistamines require caution use in what population?
Elderly men (BPH)
What type of antihistamine is diphenhydramine (Benadryl)?
1st generation
Describe the characteristics of 1st generation antihistamines (2)
- High sedating effect
- High anticholinergic effect
What type of antihistamine is loratadine (Claritin)?
2nd generation
Describe the characteristics of 2nd generation antihistamines (2)
- Low sedating effect
- Low anticholinergic effect
2nd generation antihistamines have ______
High antihistamine activity
What are some examples of H1 blockers? (4)
- Allegra
- Benadryl
- Claritin
- Zyrtec
What are some examples of H2 blockers? (4)
- Axid
- Pepcid
- Tagament
- Zantac
What are the 3 subclasses of nasal decongestants?
- Adrenergics
- Anticholinergics
- Corticosteroids
Describe the mechanism of action of adrenergics (2)
- Constriction –> nasal drainage
- Stimulation of sympathetic nervous system
What is the primary indication of adrenergics?
Sinusitis
What are the side effects of adrenergics? (4)
- Increased BP
- Insomnia
- Palpitations
- Tremors
What are some examples of adrenergics? (2)
- Sudafed
- Afrin
What side effect is associated with Afrin?
Rebound congestion
Afrin should be used for no more than ______
3 days
Describe the mechanism of action of anticholinergics
Dilation –> prevents nasal drainage
Anticholinergics block ______
Acetylcholine
What is the primary indication of anticholinergics?
Rhinorrhea
What is an example of an anticholinergic?
Atrovent
Describe the mechanism of action of corticosteroids
Control of inflammation
What is the primary indication of corticosteroids?
Rhinorrhea
What are some examples of corticosteroids? (3)
- Flonase
- Nasacort
- Rhinocort
What is a contraindication of corticosteroids?
Nasal infection
Describe the effects of oral nasal decongestants (3)
- Systemic
- Delayed onset
- No rebound congestion
Describe the effect of inhaled nasal decongestants
Risk of rebound congestion with adrenergics
Describe the effect of topical nasal decongestants
Risk of rebound congestion with adrenergics
What are the 2 types of antitussives?
- Opioid
- Non-opioid
Describe the mechanism of action of antitussives
Suppression of cough reflex
Opioid antitussives also function as ______
Analgesics
What are the only 2 opioids used as antitussives?
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
What are the side effects of opioid antitussives? (3)
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Constipation