Week 8

Question 1

What are controller medications and how do they work

Answer 1

for long term persistent asthma. Taken even in the absence of symptoms (inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene inhibitors, methylxanthines, and cromolyn sodium)

Question 2

What are reliever medications and how do they work?

Answer 2

are taken after an asthma attack has begun. (beta-agonists)

Question 3

How do Oral corticosteroids (Prednisone, Prednisolone) help treat exacerbations of asthma

Answer 3

Prescribed to treat severe attacks of asthma - given in high doses for a short time, airway narrowing improves rapidly without the risk of long term side effects

Question 4

Adverse effects of corticosteroids

Answer 4

Adrenal suppression and growth suppression
Altered deposition of muscle, fat, skin hair and bone
Ocular changes
Psychological changes

Question 5

Define Hypoxaemia

Answer 5

a low concentration of oxygen in the blood

Question 6

Define Hypercapnia

Answer 6

a high level of carbon dioxide in the blood

Question 7

Define Atelectasis

Answer 7

Where the alveoli are deflated or have not volume. This is the opposite to consolidation where the alveoli are filled with fluid. Symptoms may include, coughing, cyanosis, shallow breathing, low oxygen saturations.

Question 8

Define Bronchiectasis:

Answer 8

Is enlargement of the airways resulting poor mucous clearance. Symptoms may include chronic coughing and excessive mucous production, shortness of breath. These patients are at risk of frequent infections. May be genetic or due to TB, cystic fibrosis or pneumonia.

Question 9

Define Diffusion

Answer 9

is the process whereby gases move from an area of high pressure to a low pressure