Respiratory pharmacology Flashcards
What are two categories of cough? Both beginning with ‘U’
Useless (persistant, unproductive, dry) and useful (productive)
What are four causes of a useless cough?
Asthma, oesophageal reflux, sinusitis, psychogenic
What are the two mechanisms for treatment of dry coughs?
Afferent and efferent action
What might cause a useful cough?
Chest infection
How would you treat a productive cough? Would you supress it?
Do not supress unless exhausting and dangerous. Treat underlying cause e.g. antibiotics
What are 3 common causes of a chronic cough?
- Upper airway cough syndrome (post nasal drip, rhinitis)
- Asthma/COPD
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
How would you treat a cough caused by gastroesophageal reflux?
Antacids
What is the chronic lung disease triad?
Inflammation, bronchoconstriction, secretions
Does most asthma mortality occur in children or adults?
Adults >45yo
What are the 4 types of asthma?
- Allergy associated
- Intrinsic (no identifiable allergen)
- Exercise induced
- COPD associated
Which type of asthma is the most common?
Intrinsic
In asthma treatment mechanisms, what are five possible options?
- Avoid the antigen
- Reduce activity of allergic response
- Dilate bronchi
- Stabilise mast cells so they don’t produce the mediator
- Directly antagonise the mediator
Does cAMP inhibit or stimulate bronchodilation?
Stimulate
Does acetylcholone stimulate bronchodilation or bronchoconstriction?
Bronchoconstriction
Does adenosine inhibit or stimulate bronchodilation?
Inhibit- it stimulates bronchoconstriction.
Is obstruction in COPD reversible?
No
What are three afferent action treatments of a dry cough? Do they act above or below the vocal cords?
- Linctuses (e.g. strepsils) coat airway so isn’t irritated. Above vocal cords.
- Steam (initiates mucus production) below vocal cords.
- Nebulised local anaesthetics (numbs irritation) below vocal cords.
What are three antitussive (efferent action) treatments of a dry cough?
1, Opiods (e.g. codein)
- Non- opiods (e.g. dextromethorphan) (16+ yo)
- Sedatives (e.g. diphenhydramine) (use in children)
What can opiods cause at a higher than needed dose?
Respiratory depression
Why aren’t sedatives used in a productive cough?
Could thicken secretions and worsen the cough.
What are the two treatments for a productive cough?
- Expectorants (e.g. guaiphesin) increase volume of secretion (not used regularly)
- Mucolytics (e.g. acetyl cysteine) decreases viscosity of mucus by breaking disulphide bonds. Cystic fibrosis treatment.
What are 5 long term treatments for asthma?
- Leukotrine pathway inhibitors
- Mast cell stabilisers
- Corticosteroids
- Anti IgE monoclonal antibodies
- Ketotifen