Asthma Flashcards

1
Q

how common is asthma in children?

A

5-10% will have it

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2
Q

how common in asthma in adults?

A

2-5% of adults will have asthma

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3
Q

why does the airway narrow in asthma patients?

A
  1. bronchial smooth muscle constriction
  2. bronchial mucosal oedema
  3. excessive mucous secretion into the airway lumen
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4
Q

small radius changes can lead to?

A

large effects on airflow

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5
Q

what are the symptoms of asthma?

A
  • cough
  • wheeze
  • shortness of breath (acute attack)
  • diurnal variation
  • difficulty breathing OUT and lungs fill with air
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6
Q

what tracks any airway resistance?

A

peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)

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7
Q

what are some of the common triggers for asthma?

A
  • infections
  • environmental stimuli (dust, smoke, chemicals)
  • cold air
  • atopy (allergic to a range of environmental stimuli)
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8
Q

what is the early and late asthma response known as?

A

asthma biphasic response

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9
Q

how does the asthma biphasic response relate to a patient suffering an asthma attack in clinic?

A

patients that suffer a SEVERE asthma attack in clinic should be sent to A&E to prevent condition worsening later on! (will be given corticosteroids at hospital)

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10
Q

what asthma drugs are used in mild conditions?

A
  1. Intermittent short acting Beta-adrenergic Agonist

2. Inhaled Corticosteroids (low dose)

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11
Q

what drugs are used in patients with moderate asthma?

A
  1. Inhaled Corticosteroids (high dose)
  2. Regular LONG-ACTING beta-adrenergic agonist

ALONGSIDE MILD ASTHMA DRUGS

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12
Q

what is then used in patients where medications dont seem to help?

A

adjuvant therapy

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13
Q

what is the function of beta-adrenergic agonists?

A

to relax the bronchial smooth muscle

  • reduce bronchoconstriction
  • reduce resting bronchial tone
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14
Q

what type of beta-adrenergic agonists are there?

A
  • short acting

- long acting

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15
Q

what is the function of a SHORT ACTING beta-adrenergic agonist?

A

‘reliever drug’ (used during acute attack)

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16
Q

what is the function of a LONG ACTING beta-adrenergic agonist?

A

‘preventer’ drug (use to prevent an acute attack)

17
Q

what must a long acting beta-adrenergic agonist be used alongside?

A

INHALED STEROID (commonly in the same puffer)

18
Q

what is the most effective asthma treatment when inhaled?

A

corticosteroids

19
Q

what is recommended if daily dose of corticosteroids exceeds 800micrograms in an adult?

A

a spacer