Therapeutics of asthma Flashcards
What is a SABA?
short-acting beta 2 androgenic receptor agonist
what is an example of a SABA?
salbutamol
how do SABA’s work?
Adrenaline works on the smooth muscles of the airways to cause relaxation, causing vasoldilation.
what type of inhaler is a SABA
reliever or rescue
how long do SABAs last?
effects only last for an hour or two
what are ICS’s?
inhaled corticosteroids
what is an example of a ICS?
beclometasone
how do ICS’s work?
reduce the inflammation and reactivity of the airways
what type of inhaler is an ICS referred to as
maintenance or preventer
what is a LABA?
a long-acting beta 2 agonists
what is an example of a LABA?
salmeterol
what is the difference between a SABA and a LABA?
they are much longer lasting
what is a LAMA?
a long-acting muscarinic antagonists
what is an example of a LAMA?
tiotropium
how do LAMA’s work?
Block acetylcholine receptors, which leads to bronchodilation.
what is an example of a leukotriene receptor antagonist?
montelukast
how do leukotriene receptor agonists work?
they block the effect of leukotrienes, so inhibit inflammation, bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion
how does theophylline work?
relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and reducing inflammation
what is a disadvantage to theophylline?
it only has a narrow therapeutic window and can be toxic in excess so monitoring plasma theophylline levels in the blood is required
when is blood plasma levels monitored in asthma patients on theophylline?
5 days after starting treatment and 3 days after each dose change
when is blood plasma levels monitored in asthma patients on theophylline?
5 days after starting treatment and 3 days after each dose change
what is a MART?
maintenance and reliever therapy
what does MART consist of?
combination inhaler containing a low-dose inhaled corticosteroid and a fast-acting LABA
what is a MART used
both regularly as a preventer and also as a reliever when they have symptoms
what is the first step in asthma therapy?
SABA
what is the second step in asthma therapy?
ICS
what is the third step in asthma therapy?
LABA
what is the 4th step in asthma therapy?
trial of leukotriene receptor antagonist, an oral beta 2 agonist, oral theophylline or an inhaled LAMA
what is the 5th step in asthma therapy?
titrate inhaled corticosteroid up to a “high dose” or combine the additional treatments from step 4 or refer to a specialist
what is step 6?
add oral steroids at the lowest dose possible to achieve good control
what additional management can people with asthma do?
have an individual asthma self-management programme, have a yearly flu jab, have a yearly asthma review, advise exercise and avoid smoking
what is the colour of a SABA inhaler
blue
what is the colour of an ICS inhaler
brown
what is the colour of a LABA inhaler
green
what is the colour of a LAMA inhaler
green
what is the colour of a leukotriene inhaler?
red
what is the colour of a theophylline inhaler?
grey
