Respiratory drugs

Question 1

Define asthma

Answer 1

reactive airway disease. airway hyperresponsive and chronic inflammation. when IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies bound to mast cells on airway mucosa

Question 2

symptoms of asthma

Answer 2

coughing wheezing, chest tightness and DIB

Question 3

what are the phases of asthma

Answer 3

early phase = bronchospasm 0/4hours.

late phase = inflammation 4/8 hours

Question 4

what are potential reasons for pts not adhering to asthma treatment

Answer 4

• treatment considered unnecessary, ineffective, dangerous.
• lack of immediate effect after taking steroids
• poor understanding of treatment regime.
• poor inhaler techniques
• resentment about need for treatment
• economic restriction
• demographic factors
• forgetfulness/stress
• secondary gain from persistent symptoms

Question 5

what is the effect of corticosteroids?

Answer 5

• inhibit effects of inflammatory mediators.
• decrease formation of cytokines = reduce recruitment and activation of eosinophils
• reduced production and expression of IgE. inhibit generation of prostaglandins by COX-2 inhibition.
• stimulate synthesis of ANNEXIN -1 - inhibits phospholipase A2
• up regulation of Beta 2 receptors and response to B2 agonist.