Asthma Flashcards
Classification of asthma
- Intermittent - < 2 days a week, not everyday. Lung function tests normal
- Mild persistent- > 2 days a week, not everyday. Lung function tests normal when person is not having an attack
- Moderate persistent- symptoms daily. Need to use short acting inhaler every day. Lung function tests abnormal
- Severe persistent- symptoms throughout each day. Severely limits daily activities. Lung function tests abnormal
Phases of asthma
Acute phase - excessive secretion of mucus that may clog the bronchi and bronchioles
Chronic phase - inflammation, followed by fibrosis, edema and necrosis of bronchial epithelial cells
Status asthmatic/refractory asthma?
Acute exacerbation of severe asthma that does not respond to standard treatments of bronchodilators
Risk factors and triggers
Stress
obesity
Drugs ( b blockers, aspirin)
Acetaminophen ( paracetamol)
Diagnosis of asthma
Spirometry - reduced Fev1, fev1/fvc ratio, and PEF
What is produced on initial exposure to allergens
IgE by plasma cells
IgE binds to what receptors?
High affinity receptors (FCeR-1) on mast cells
Re- exposure to allergens releases?
Mediators stored in mast cells. The histamine , tryptase, leukotrienes C4 and D4 and prostaglandin D2.
The mediators released cause?
Smooth muscle contraction and vascular leakage causing bronchoconstriction. EARLY ASTHMATIC RESPONSE
Late asthmatic response is mediated by?
TH2 cells (T lymphocytes)
What does TH2 cells secrete?
Interleukins (IL) 4,5 & 13, GM-CSF
What does the IL secreted by TH2 cells do?
- These cytokines attract and activate eosinophils.
- Stimulate IgE production by B lymphocytes
- Stimulate mucus production by bronchial epithelial cells
Early vs late response summary
EARLY
1. mast cell degranulation mediated by IgE.
2. Smooth muscle spasms, vasodilation
LATE
1. Initiated by cytokines produced by TH2 lymphocytes
2. Mucosal edema, mucosal secretion (by bronchial epithelial cells), more IgE production, activation of eosinophils
Treatment of asthma
MOA of Bronchodilators vs Controllers
Bronchodilators- relaxation of airway smooth muscle
Controllers- inhibit underlying inflammatory process
Classes of bronchodilators and examples
- Selective B2 agonists - Salbutamol, Salmeterol, Formoterol terbutaline, Bambuterol
- Non- selective sympathomimetics - epinephrine, ephedrine, isoprenaline, orciprenaline
- Anticholinergics / muscarinic antagonists - ipratropium bromide, tiotropium bromide
- Methylxanthines - theophylline, aminophylline, diprophylline
Mechanism of action of bronchodilators
SYMPATHOMIMETICS
Act on B2 adrenergic receptors of bronchial smooth muscles
Increase cAMP, causing bronchodilation
Mechanism of action of bronchodilators
METHYLXANTHINES
Decrease cAMP destruction.
By inhibiting Phosphodiesterases, causing bronchodilation
Mechanism of action of bronchodilators
MUSCARINIC RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST OR ANTICHOLINERGICS
Competitive antagonist of acetylcholine (ACH) at postganglionic nerve receptors, leading to smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation
B1 receptors found?
Cardiac and intestinal smooth muscles
B2 receptors found?
Bronchial, uterine and vascular smooth muscles Increase cAMP
B- adrenergic receptors action
Acts on b2 receptor (a G protein coupled receptor) > activates adenylyl cyclase > increase cAMP destruction > activates pkA > bronchodilation
Short acting b2 agonists (SABA) and function
Salbutamol
Terbutaline
For quick reversal of bronchospasm
(bronchodilation)
Long acting b2 agonists (LABA) and function
Salmeterol
Formeterol
Not used for treating acute attacks
Used for treating nocturnal attacks
Preventing asthma attacks along with steroids
Adverse effects of selective b2 agonists
Muscle tremor and palpitations
Mild hypokalemia