Respiratory Therapeutics Flashcards
What would be an example of well controlled asthma?
No nighttime or daytime symptoms, no exacerbations, no rescue medications, normal lung function and no limitations on activity
What is the first step of asthma treatment for minimal intermittent asthma?
This is ussing a short acting beta 2 agonist such as salbutamol. They use this when they get symptoms or in anticipation of symptoms (PRN)
What are the side effects of short acting beta 2 agonists?
Relatively few side effects, if used too much then get get tremor, tachycardia and hypokalaemia
What is step 2 for treatming asthma?
This is taking inhaled corticosteroids such as beclometasone, taken 2 times daily as a preventative measure
What are the requirements of a persons asthma for them to recieve type 2 treatment?
patient has had an exacerbation in the last 2 years and they have symptoms meaning they use their SABA twice a week or more
What are the adverse effects of preventative corticosteroids?
Osteoporosis in adults, growth supression in children, sore throat and oral thrush
What is the third step of asthma treatment?
This includes using long acting beta 2 agonists, such as salmeterol, these last around 12 hours
They should always be used alongside corticosteroids and can be give as a combination, e.g. seratide
What is step 4 of the asthma treatment?
This includes leukotriene receptor antagonist such as montelukast
Advese affects include hypersensitivity and GI upset
What are the symptoms in acute severe asthma?
Unable to complete sentences, chest quiet with high HR and RR.
What is the treatment for acute severe asthma?
Hospital admission High flow oxygen Nebulised salbutamol Oral prednisolone If the response is poor then nebulised ipratropium bromide every 4-6 hours
What are the three main groups of drugs used to manage COPD?
Inhaled bronchodilators
Inhaled corticosteroids
Oral bronchodilators
How can the technique using metered dose inhalers be improved?
By using a spacer
