SOB Flashcards
How to do investigate for Asthma?
Spirometry (FEV1/FVC <0.7 shows an obstructive pattern). Shows reversibility if >12% with SABA
FeNO test (>35-40 parts/billion)
PEFR (varies by >20% for >3 weeks)
Whats the general management of asthma?
1) SABA
2) SABA + ICS (inhaler used >2 a week)
3) SABA + ICS + LTRA
4) LABA + ICS +/- LTRA
5) LABA + increased ICS +/- LTRA
6) Trials e.g. Theophylline or LAMA
7) Oral Corticosteroids
Examples of each asthma treatment?
SABA = salbutamol ICS = beclometasone, budenoside LTRA = montelukast LABA + ICS = symbicort Oral CS = prednisolone
Asthma life-threatening symptoms?
PEF <33% best effort or predicted.
Can they talk
Altered conscious levels, exhaustion, arrhythmia, hypotension, cyanosis, silent chest. poor respiratory effort
Admit to 24hrs
Asthma Severe signs?
PEF 33%-50%
RR >25
HR >110
Inability to complete sentences in one breayj
A-E for asthma?
Basic obvs, PEFR, ABG (including K+ and Glucose)
Near fatal asthma signs?
Increased pCO2
Admit to hospital
General Treatment for acute asthma admittance?
1) O2
2) Neb. Salbutamol 5mg + Neb Ipratropium Bromide 0.5mg
3) PO Prednisolone 40-50mg 5days + IV hydrocortisone 100mg
If no response, senior support:
IV magnesium sulphate -> IV aminophylline -> ITU + Intubation
Acute asthma non-admittance treatment?
Quadruple inhaled ICS instead of PO prednisolone. Salbutamol back to back
What is COPD made of?
Emphysema and Bronchitis
Hx for COPD?
SOB, productive cough e.g. white or green, some wheeze
General Abx for COPD?
Amoxicillin which you then step up?
RFs for COPD?
Increased Age, FHx, occupation and smoking
Signs of COPD?
tar staining, cyanosis, barrel chest, reduced expansion, hyper-resonance on percussion.
Auscultation = reduced air movement, wheezing + COARSE crackles (hair-like)
Signs of RHF
Crackle examples?
Fine = interstitial lung disease Coarse = COPD + pneumonoa