Asthma Flashcards

Question

Side Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids

Answer 1

Oral candidiasis Dysphonia Long-term: Potential adrenal suppression

Answer 2

Inhaled corticosteroids + Long-acting β2-agonists Example: Fluticasone + Salmeterol Indications: Moderate to severe asthma

Answer 3

Step 1: SABA (Short-acting β2-agonist) as needed Step 2: Low-dose ICS (Inhaled corticosteroids) Step 3: ICS + LABA (Long-acting β2-agonist) Step 4: Medium/High-dose ICS + LABA

Answer 4

Inhibit leukotrienes that cause bronchoconstriction, edema, and inflammation Prevent airway narrowing

Answer 5

Nebulizer: Delivers medication in mist form over several minutes Inhaler: Delivers short bursts of medication, faster and more portable

Answer 6

Adjust based on asthma control Step-up if symptoms persist Step-down if stable for 3 months

Answer 7

Reliever: Short-acting β2-agonists for immediate symptom relief Controller: ICS, LABA, and leukotriene antagonists for long-term management

Answer 8

Short-term for severe exacerbations Must taper to avoid adrenal insufficiency

Answer 9

Cromolyn sodium Prevents asthma by inhibiting mast cell degranulation Rarely used due to limited effectiveness

Answer 10

Omalizumab: Anti-IgE Mepolizumab: Anti-IL-5 Benralizumab: Anti-IL-5 receptor Indications: Severe asthma with specific phenotypes ## Footnote Example: These biologic therapies target specific pathways in asthma management.

Answer 11

Albuterol Levalbuterol Indications: Acute asthma relief Mechanism: Stimulate β2 receptors to relax bronchial smooth muscle Side effects: Tremor, tachycardia ## Footnote Example: SABA are commonly used for quick relief of asthma symptoms.

Answer 12

Use: Severe asthma exacerbations unresponsive to standard therapy Mechanism: Smooth muscle relaxation, bronchodilation Administered IV in emergency settings ## Footnote Example: Magnesium sulfate is a key intervention in severe asthma attacks.

Answer 13

Consider step-down when asthma is controlled for at least 3 months Gradually reduce ICS dose while monitoring symptoms Goal: Maintain control with the lowest effective dose ## Footnote Example: Step-down therapy helps prevent overmedication in controlled asthma.

Answer 14

Severe asthma exacerbations Poor response to inhaled medications Maintenance in severe chronic asthma (rare) ## Footnote Example: Oral corticosteroids are reserved for severe asthma cases.

Answer 15

Non-pharmacological treatment for severe asthma Uses radiofrequency energy to reduce smooth muscle in the airways Helps reduce frequency of asthma attacks ## Footnote Example: Bronchial thermoplasty is a novel approach for severe asthma management.

Answer 16

Allergens: Dust mites, pet dander, pollen Irritants: Smoke, pollution, cold air Respiratory infections Exercise ## Footnote Example: Identifying triggers is crucial in managing asthma exacerbations.

Answer 17

Anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody Indications: Severe eosinophilic asthma Reduces exacerbations in patients with high eosinophil counts ## Footnote Example: Mepolizumab targets eosinophil-related inflammation in asthma.

Answer 18

Shake well before use Exhale fully before inhaling the medication Hold breath for 10 seconds after inhalation Use a spacer to improve medication delivery if needed ## Footnote Example: Proper inhaler technique ensures optimal drug delivery.

Answer 19

Improve medication delivery to lungs Reduce risk of oral side effects from inhaled corticosteroids Especially useful in children and the elderly ## Footnote Example: Spacers help enhance the effectiveness of inhaled medications.

Answer 20

Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids can lead to decreased bone density Monitor bone health in patients on chronic high-dose ICS therapy Consider calcium and vitamin D supplementation ## Footnote Example: ICS use requires monitoring for potential bone health effects.

Answer 21

Symptoms: Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing during/after exercise Management: Pre-treatment with SABA or leukotriene antagonist ## Footnote Example: Exercise-induced bronchospasm can be managed with appropriate pre-treatment.

Answer 22

Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (SMART) Combination of ICS and formoterol (LABA) used for both maintenance and relief Reduces need for SABA in patients ## Footnote Example: SMART therapy simplifies asthma management with a single inhaler.