Asthma Flashcards
1
Q
Define Asthma
A
Inflammatory disorder of the airways
2
Q
Pathophysiology
A
- airway inflammation
- Intermittent airflow obstruction
- Bronchial hyperresponsiveness
3
Q
Principal cells indentified in airway inflammation?
A
- Mast cells
- eosinophils
- epithelial cells
- macrophages
- activated T lymphocytes
4
Q
define causes intermittent airflow obstruction?
A
- acute bronchoconstriction
- airway oedema
- mucus plugging
- airway remodeling
5
Q
Asthma DDx/Mimics
A
Anaphylaxis FBAO (Paeds) CPO COPD Hysterical conversion disorder (key - short expiratory phase) Tracheal & bronchial lesions URTI
6
Q
Markers of severe asthma
“End of bed test”
A
- inability to speak full sentences
- accessory muscle use
- tracheal tugging
- cyanosis and sweating
7
Q
Markers of severe/life threatening asthma
“Clinical signs”
A
Quiet chest on auscultation
Confusion or decreased LoC
Hypotension or Bradycardia
Pulses paradoxus
8
Q
Peak flow measurement guides
A
<25% severe
25-50% moderate
50-70% Mild
>70% Discharge goal
9
Q
Asthma drug Rx overview
A
Oxygen Beta-agonists Anticholinergics Steriods Adrenaline Magnesium Sulphate
10
Q
Magnesium Sulphate
MoA
A
decreases intracellular calcium resulting in muscle cell relaxation
stabilizes T cells & inhibits mast cell degranulation = reduced inflammatory mediators
