respiratory intro Flashcards
What are the two main components of asthma?
Inflammation & bronchoconstriction
What are the effects of chronic inflammation in asthma?
Increased airway edema & increased mucus secretions
What are the goals of asthma pharmacotherapy?
Stop acute bronchospasm & reduce frequency of asthma attacks
What guidelines are used for asthma management?
NAEPP (National Asthma Education Prevention Program)
What are key components of asthma treatment?
Medications, patient education, environmental control, management of comorbidities
How is asthma therapy initiated?
Based on asthma severity
How is asthma therapy adjusted?
Based on asthma control
When should therapy be stepped up?
If asthma control worsens
When should therapy be stepped down?
If controlled for 3 months
What are the two main drug groups for asthma?
Quick-relief medications & long-term medications
Why are lung function tests important in asthma management?
They provide quantifiable data
What is spirometry?
A test to measure lung function
What does FEV1 measure?
Volume of air exhaled in 1 second
How is FEV1 assessed?
Compared to predicted normal for same age, size, sex, weight
What does FVC measure?
Total volume exhaled forcefully
What is FEV1/FVC used for?
Measures airflow limitation, lower in asthma patients
What does a peak flow meter measure?
Peak expiratory flow (PEF)
What do peak flow meter zones indicate?
Green = 80% of best, Red = 50% of best
What is the minimum asthma treatment most patients will need?
An inhaled steroid
What is the role of a SABA in asthma management?
It is a rescue drug
Why is inhalation a preferred route for respiratory drugs?
It delivers drugs directly to the lungs
What are the different types of inhalers?
Metered-dose inhaler (MDI), nebulizer, dry powder inhaler (DPI)
What is recommended for MDI use?
Use of a spacer
How does a DPI work?
Capsule is punctured, and medication is inhaled
What are the steps for using an inhaler?
Shake inhaler, exhale normally, hold to mouth, press & inhale deeply, hold for 10 sec, exhale normally
How long should you wait between puffs of an inhaler?
1 minute
Why should you wait between inhaler puffs?
To allow absorption of the dose
