The breathless patient Flashcards
What are corticosteroids used as
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Action of corticosteroids
Tell nucleus which mRNA to produce, the cell makes mRNA for substances which reduce the inflammation in asthma
Diagnosis of COPD in relation to FEV1 and PEF
Reduced FEV1, but little variation in PEF
First course of action for those with COPD
- stopping smoking
- Prescribed short-acting beta2 agonist or short acting antimuscarinic
What are the adverse effects of use of NSAIDS with asthma
-MAy provoke asthma by increasing leukotriene production which are inflammatory agents (inhibit production of prostaglandins)
What drugs should you avoid with people with asthma
Beta blockers
Can you use beta blockers with COPd
Some people
What would you give instead of NSAIDS for people with asthma
Paracetamol
Cardiovascular causes of breathlessness
Heart failure: pulmonary oedema
Pulmonary embolism
Atrial fibrillation
Other causes of breathlessness
Pneumothorax
Iatrogenic (causes by medicines)
Foreign bodies
Panic attacks
What is confirmation bias
Biased In assessment so the clinician should have an open mind in order to stop the bias
What is orthopnoea
When there is breathlessness when there is a change in posture because fluid accumulates in the lung
What is clubbing a sign of
- Lung cancer
- Bronchiectasis (dilated and damaged lungs. Alveoli produce sputum)
- Pulmonary fibrosis
What is cyanosis a sign of
Hypoxia
What is blue tongue and blue lips a sign of
Central cyanosis to due with reduced O2
What is blue hands and blue feet due to
Peripheral vascular disease (due to poor blood flow)
When would you hear crackles in the lung
Fluid in lung ie in pulmonary oedema
When would you hear pleural rub
Inflammation of pleural surfaces
What is the haematocrit
What percentage of blood is red blood cells
ventilation/Perfusion (V/Q) scanning use
TO identify pulmonary embolism
What is pneumonia
Inflammation of the alveoli in the airways (usually due to infection)
Does anaemia cause breathlessness
Yes- so when a patient presents with breathlessness, you should do a full blood count
