respiratory Flashcards
Name two types of respiratory diseases.
Obstructive (e.g., asthma, COPD) and restrictive (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis, muscular dystrophy).
What are the main classes of medications used in asthma treatment?
Relievers (short-acting bronchodilators), preventers (long-acting bronchodilators), and anti-inflammatories (corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists).
How do beta-2 agonists work as bronchodilators?
They stimulate beta-2 receptors, causing relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, leading to airway dilation.
What is the mechanism of action for muscarinic antagonists?
They inhibit the effect of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors, resulting in relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle.
How do corticosteroids help in treating asthma?
They reduce inflammation by decreasing cytokine formation, reducing microvascular permeability, and inhibiting eosinophil influx.
Name a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids.
Oral candidiasis (thrush) and dysphonia (hoarseness).
How do leukotriene receptor antagonists work in asthma management?
They inhibit leukotriene receptors, preventing bronchoconstriction caused by leukotrienes.
What is a main caution for using selective beta-2 agonists?
The risk of hypokalaemia, especially when combined with drugs like diuretics or corticosteroids.
What should be checked before intensifying asthma therapy?
Check adherence, inhaler technique, and eliminate trigger factors.
What does a PEFR of over 80% indicate?
Good control of asthma.
What are the main classes of medications used in asthma?
Short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABA), inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABA), long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA), and leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA).
What are common signs of an acute asthma exacerbation?
Wheezing, chest tightness, increased respiratory rate, and breathlessness.
What is the first-line treatment for a mild to moderate asthma exacerbation?
SABA via a spacer (up to 10 puffs) and oral steroids (prednisolone).
What should be done if an asthma exacerbation is life-threatening?
Administer nebulized SABA and SAMA, oral/IV steroids, IV magnesium sulfate, and possibly refer to ICU.
What PEFR level should be achieved before discharging an asthma patient?
greater than 75% of the predicted or best value, with less than 25% diurnal variability.
What are key non-pharmacological strategies for asthma management?
Smoking cessation, avoiding allergens, weight loss, and vaccinations (flu, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 if indicated).
What can be done to manage exercise-induced asthma?
Use an inhaled SABA before exercise and review the regular asthma management plan.
What should patients be advised about inhaler use to prevent oral thrush?
Use a spacer and rinse the mouth or brush teeth after using an inhaled corticosteroid.
