Test Flashcards
What does the guideline aim to improve regarding asthma?
The accuracy of diagnosis, control of asthma, and reduction of asthma attacks
The guideline focuses on improving overall management of asthma for patients and healthcare providers.
Who is the guideline intended for?
GPs, practice nurses, healthcare professionals in asthma services, commissioners, providers, and patients with asthma
This includes their families and carers.
What should be included in the initial clinical assessment of suspected asthma?
A structured clinical history
Symptoms alone should not be used without objective testing.
True or False: A history of atopic disorders alone can be used to diagnose asthma.
False
Objective testing is required for diagnosis.
What are some objective tests for diagnosing asthma?
- FeNO
- Spirometry
- Bronchodilator reversibility testing
- Peak flow variability
These tests help to confirm the presence of asthma.
What spirometry result indicates a diagnosis of asthma?
FEV1/FVC ratio less than 70% or below the lower limit of normal
This is a key diagnostic criterion.
What constitutes a positive bronchodilator reversibility test?
Improvement in FEV1 of 12% or more and an increase in volume of 200 ml or more
This indicates a significant response to bronchodilator therapy.
What is the first-line pharmacological treatment for symptom relief in asthma?
Short-acting beta2 agonist (SABA)
SABAs are typically used for quick relief of asthma symptoms.
What is the role of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in asthma management?
Maintenance therapy with dose adjustments based on asthma control
ICS are essential for long-term control of asthma.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is used for asthma that is uncontrolled with low-dose ICS.
leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA)
LTRAs are added to help manage asthma symptoms when ICS alone is insufficient.
True or False: The recommendations in the guideline are mandatory for all healthcare professionals.
False
What should be included in the initial clinical assessment for suspected asthma?
- Structured clinical history
- Physical examination
- Objective tests if available
Fill in the blank: Asthma should not be diagnosed based solely on __________.
symptoms alone
What are two objective tests recommended for diagnosing asthma?
- Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)
- Spirometry
What does a FeNO level of 40 parts per billion (ppb) or more indicate?
A positive test for asthma in adults.
What is the significance of a forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio of less than 70%?
It is regarded as a positive test for obstructive airway disease.
What should be done for children under 5 with suspected asthma?
Treat symptoms based on observation and clinical judgement, and review regularly.
What is the role of skin prick tests in asthma diagnosis?
To identify triggers after a formal diagnosis of asthma has been made.
True or False: Occupational asthma should be checked for in all adults with suspected asthma.
True
What is the recommended approach for children unable to perform objective tests at age 5?
- Continue treatment based on observation
- Retry tests every 6 to 12 months
- Consider referral for specialist assessment
What is the recommended action if spirometry and FeNO tests cannot be performed immediately for acutely unwell patients?
Perform tests when acute symptoms have been controlled.
What does a positive bronchodilator reversibility (BDR) test indicate?
An improvement in FEV1 of 12% or more, along with an increase in volume of 200 ml or more.
Fill in the blank: Local commissioners and providers have a responsibility to promote an __________ health and care system.
environmentally sustainable
What should be done if there is diagnostic uncertainty after an initial assessment?
- Monitor peak flow variability for 2 to 4 weeks
- Consider additional objective tests
What is a key consideration regarding a person’s smoking status in relation to FeNO levels?
Smoking status can lower FeNO levels both acutely and cumulatively.
What is the purpose of the NICE guideline regarding asthma management?
To provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of asthma.
What does a PC20 value of 8 mg/ml or less indicate in a direct bronchial challenge test?
A positive test for airway hyperreactivity.
What is the recommended action if there is diagnostic uncertainty after normal spirometry in adults aged 17 and over?
Offer a direct bronchial challenge test with histamine or methacholine
If FeNO level is 40 ppb or more with no variability in peak flow readings, or if FeNO level is 39 ppb or less with variability in peak flow readings.
What FeNO level and peak flow variability indicate a direct bronchial challenge test should be considered in adults?
FeNO level between 25 ppb and 39 ppb with no variability in peak flow readings
Obstructive spirometry without bronchodilator reversibility is also required.
What is regarded as a positive result in a direct bronchial challenge test?
PC20 value of 8 mg/ml or less
This indicates bronchial hyperreactivity.
What criteria should be met to diagnose asthma in children and young people aged 5 to 16?
Symptoms suggestive of asthma and:
* FeNO level of 35 ppb or more with positive peak flow variability
* Obstructive spirometry with positive bronchodilator reversibility
Diagnosis should consider clinical symptoms and objective test results.
When should asthma be suspected in children and young people aged 5 to 16?
If they have symptoms suggestive of asthma and:
* FeNO level of 35 ppb or more with normal spirometry and negative peak flow variability
* Normal spirometry, a FeNO level of 34 ppb or less, and positive peak flow variability
Other combinations of FeNO and spirometry results can also indicate suspicion.
What should be done if symptom control remains poor after asthma treatment in children and young people?
Review the diagnosis after 6 weeks by repeating abnormal tests and reviewing symptoms
Consider referring for specialist assessment if necessary.
What is the positive test threshold for FeNO in adults?
40 ppb or more
This indicates a higher likelihood of asthma.
What indicates a positive bronchodilator reversibility test in adults?
Improvement in FEV1 of 12% or more and increase in volume of 200 ml or more
This shows responsiveness to bronchodilators.
What is the guideline for diagnosing asthma in adults with obstructive spirometry?
Symptoms suggestive of asthma and:
* FeNO level of 40 ppb or more with positive bronchodilator reversibility
* FeNO level between 25 ppb and 39 ppb with positive bronchial challenge test
* Positive bronchodilator reversibility and positive peak flow variability irrespective of FeNO level
These criteria help confirm asthma diagnosis.
What should be considered if an adult with suspected asthma has a FeNO level below 40 ppb and normal spirometry?
Consider alternative diagnoses or referral for a second opinion
This is necessary if other test results do not align with asthma diagnosis.
What is the recommended first-line maintenance therapy for adults with asthma?
Offer a low dose of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
This is for those with symptoms indicating the need for maintenance therapy.
What is the guideline for adjusting asthma medication in adults if asthma is uncontrolled on a low dose of ICS?
Offer a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) in addition to the ICS
Review the response to treatment in 4 to 8 weeks.