respiratory

Question 1

Name two types of respiratory diseases.

Answer 1

Obstructive (e.g., asthma, COPD) and restrictive (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis, muscular dystrophy).

Question 2

What are the main classes of medications used in asthma treatment?

Answer 2

Relievers (short-acting bronchodilators), preventers (long-acting bronchodilators), and anti-inflammatories (corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists).

Question 2

How do beta-2 agonists work as bronchodilators?

Answer 2

They stimulate beta-2 receptors, causing relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, leading to airway dilation.

Question 4

What is the mechanism of action for muscarinic antagonists?

Answer 4

They inhibit the effect of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors, resulting in relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle.

Question 5

How do corticosteroids help in treating asthma?

Answer 5

They reduce inflammation by decreasing cytokine formation, reducing microvascular permeability, and inhibiting eosinophil influx.

Question 6

Name a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids.

Answer 6

Oral candidiasis (thrush) and dysphonia (hoarseness).

Question 7

How do leukotriene receptor antagonists work in asthma management?

Answer 7

They inhibit leukotriene receptors, preventing bronchoconstriction caused by leukotrienes.

Question 8

What is a main caution for using selective beta-2 agonists?

Answer 8

The risk of hypokalaemia, especially when combined with drugs like diuretics or corticosteroids.

Question 9

What should be checked before intensifying asthma therapy?

Answer 9

Check adherence, inhaler technique, and eliminate trigger factors.

Question 10

What does a PEFR of over 80% indicate?

Answer 10

Good control of asthma.

Question 11

What are the main classes of medications used in asthma?

Answer 11

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).

Question 12

What are common signs of an acute asthma exacerbation?

Answer 12

Wheezing, chest tightness, increased respiratory rate, and breathlessness.

Question 13

What is the first-line treatment for a mild to moderate asthma exacerbation?

Answer 13

SABA via a spacer (up to 10 puffs) and oral steroids (prednisolone).

Question 14

What should be done if an asthma exacerbation is life-threatening?

Answer 14

Administer nebulized SABA and SAMA, oral/IV steroids, IV magnesium sulfate, and possibly refer to ICU.

Question 15

What PEFR level should be achieved before discharging an asthma patient?

Answer 15

greater than 75% of the predicted or best value, with less than 25% diurnal variability.

Question 16

What are key non-pharmacological strategies for asthma management?

Answer 16

Smoking cessation, avoiding allergens, weight loss, and vaccinations (flu, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 if indicated).

Question 17

What can be done to manage exercise-induced asthma?

Answer 17

Use an inhaled SABA before exercise and review the regular asthma management plan.

Question 18

What should patients be advised about inhaler use to prevent oral thrush?

Answer 18

Use a spacer and rinse the mouth or brush teeth after using an inhaled corticosteroid.