Respiratory System Flashcards
Who are dry powder inhalers suitable for?
Adults and children over 5 who are unwilling/unable to use a pmdi
When should a spacer be used?
Always if the patient is prescribed a high dose steroid
How are spacer devices cleaned?
Once a month by washing with mild detergent and then allowed to air dry without rinsing, mouth piece should be cleaned of detergent before use.
How often should spacer devices be replaced?
Every 6 to 12 months
Define asthma?
Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory condition of the airways, associated with airway hyperresponsiveness and variable airflow obstruction
What should be done before initiating a new drug/changing tx for asthma?
Consider whether the diagnosis is correct, check adherence and inhaler technique and eliminate trigger factors for acute attacks
What are the stages of asthma – NICE adults 17+:
1) SABA (salbutamol/terbutaline)
2) SABA + Low dose ICS
3) SABA + ICS + Leutrokine receptor antagonist (montelukast)
4) Add in LABA
5) Switch to MART regimen: (Inhaled corticosteroid + fast acting LABA, such as formoterol) +
Low dose ICS
6) Trial of LAMA (tiotropium) or m/r theophylline
State the two SABAs:
Salbutamol / terbutaline
State the two-long active SABAs:
Salmeterol / formoterol
Which other LABAs are used for COPD:
Indacaterol, olodaterol
Vilanterol is only available as a combination with fluticasone or/and umeclidinium
Which oral LABA can potentially be of use in nocturnal asthma:
Bambuterol
Which other antimuscarinic medication can be used to relieve symptoms in chronic asthma:
Ipratropium bromide
Who should have their asthma urgently assessed?
Patients using more than one saba device a month
What is the tx of asthma in children under 5?
1) saba prn
2) paediatric low dose ics maintenance
3) LTRA eg montelukast reviewed after 4-8 weeks
BTS/SIGn Recommend a LABA first
4) MART regimen
5) increase ICS dose or add theophylline M/R
What is the tx of asthma in children under 5?
1) SABA
2) 8 week trial of paed low dose ICS, after 8 weeks stop and monitor symptoms. If no improvement, consider alternative diagnosis, if symptoms recur after 4 weeks then can use as maintenace, if symtpoms recur beyond 4 weeks of stopping then restart trial
3) LTRA - if no improvement refer to specialist
When should you consider stopping/stepping down asthma tx
When asthma has been controlled on current therapy for at least 3 months
How is asthma managed in pregnancy?
Close monitoring. Asthma should be well controlled throughout. Advise on the importance of taking their asthma medication to maintiain good control
What is moderate acute asthma?
Increasing symptoms, Peak flow <50-75% of best, no features of acute sever
What is severe acute asthma?
Peak flow 33-50% of best, resp rate >25 bpm, heart rate >110bpm and cannot complete sentences in one breath
What is the tx of life threatening acute asthma?
Peak flow <33%, o2 sats <92%, pao2 < 8, silent chest, cyanosis, poor resp effort, arrythmia, altered conscious level, hypotension
What is moderate acute asthma in children?
- able to talk in sentences
- spo2 >92%
- peak flow >50% of best
-heart rate below 140 in children aged 1-5, less than 125 in 5+ - resp rate less than 40 in 1-5 and less than 30 in 5+
What are the symptoms of severe acute asthma in children
Cannot complete sentences in one breath/talk/feed
spo2 less than 92%
peak flow 33-50% of best
hr >140 in 1-5 y/o, and >125 in 5+
resp rate >40 in children 1-5, >30 in 5+
What is life threatening asthma in children
Spo2 <92%, peak flow <33, silent chest, cyanosis, poor resp effort, hypotension, exhaustion, confusion
How is acute asthma managed in adults?
Patients with severe or life threatening asthma should be treated asap and referred to hospital
moderate asthma treated at hime and response to treatment assessed.
supplementary oxygen to all patients 94-98% o2
high dose SABA. If mild/moderate then pmdi and spcer, if severe then via nebuliser
oral prednisolone (40mg-50mg)
How is acute asthma managed in children over 2 years old
Severe/life threatening should be treated asap or referred to hospital
supp ox to severe or spo2 <94%
SABA asap
oral pred (30-40mg) for up to 3 days
When should parents/carer seek urgent medical attention?
If initial symptoms are not controlled with up to 10 puffs of salbutamol via a spacer
How is asthma managed in children under 2 years old?
Acute asthma management of all children in this age group should be in the hospital setting.
immediate oxygen, saba or add ipatropium bromide. Oral pred (30-40mg) for 3 days
What is the follow up of an acute asthma exacerbation?
take a history, check inhaler technique and review regular therapy, give a written asthma action plan. Inform GP 24 hours from discharge and patient should be reviewed within 2 days.
Which four drugs are licensed for COPD:
Aclidinium bromide, glycopyronium bromide, umeclidinium, tiotropium
What is Theophlline used for?
Xanthine used in asthma and stable COPD
Combination with beta agonists may increase risk of side effects such as hypokalaemia
What are the symptoms of COPD:
Breathlessness, cough, sputum and airflow obstruction
What can relieve symptoms of COPD?
SABA or short acting antimuscarinic bronchodilator
If the FEV1 is 50% or higher what would you advise:
LAMA or LABA
If the FEV1 is less than 50%:
LABA or LAMA + corticosteroid in combination inhaler. If symptoms persist or if patient is unable to use an Inhaler oral m/r aminophylline or theophylline can be use
A mucolytic may be given to those with a productive cough
During an exacerbation of chronic COPD, bronchodilator therapy can be given through a nebuliser and oxygen can be given
Short course of prednisolone is recommended if affecting daily activities
If there is persistent exacerbations or breathlessness, then you can give this for COPD:
LAMA + LABA + inhaled corticosteroid in combination inhaler (such as trimbow)
What is the main risk factor for COPD
Tobacco smoking
Which vaccinations should patients with COPD recieve?
Influenza annually and pneumococcal once