Asthma Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is Asthma
A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways
What are the characteristics of asthma
Airway inflammation, constriction, reversible airway obstruction and increased airway responsiveness
What are extrinsic triggers for asthma
Allergens sucha s pollen, dust mites or food stuffs
What are Intrinsic triggers for asthma
Other Irritants such as smoke, exercise, cold air or infection
Where are mast cells located
Within the epithelial lining of the bronchi and bronchioles
what roles do mast cells play in asthma
Triggers like allergens activate mast cells, which release inflammatory mediators. These cause inflammation, leading to airway narrowing, mucus production, and difficulty breathing.
What mediators are released
Cytokines, Histamine, kinins and prostaglandins
What is bronchoconstriction
Smooth muscle around the bronchi and bronchioles contract making it harder to breath
Why is excess mucus production bad
Obstructs the airways making the airway narrower
Why do asthma patients have an increased RR
Narrowing of the airways makes it harder to breath so breathes become rapid and shallow to compensate
Why would HR be increased
Hypoxia and stress can increase HR during attacks
Why do we take sPO2 readings
It tells us how much oxygen is in the blood
Why do asthma patients have a low sPO2
Obstructed airways impairs gas exchange, meaning less O2 is getting into the blood
Why might the body rely on accessory muscles
Airway obstruction means more work is required to expand the lungs so other muscles are used to help with breathing
Why can’t we rely solely on accessory muscles
It is a compensatory mechanism that is mainly used as an indication of worsening condition. It is not meant as a long term solution
What is Salbutamol
Fast acting medication given through either an inhaler or nebulizer
How does Salbutamol work
Acts as a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that stimules beta-2 receptors
What does stimulating beta-2 receptors do
Promotes rapid bronchodilation and causes muscles to relax which improves airflow and ventilation
Where are the beta-2 receptors located
Smooth muscle lining of the airways
Why are spacers and nebulizers preferred over inhalers
Spacers and nebulizers both improve medication delivery and easier to adminster
What is IV hydrocortisone
Synthetic corticosteroid that inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines
Why do we monitor fluid balance in asthma patients
Fluid imbalance can be an indication of capillary leakage caused by inflammatory mediators
Why is capillary leakage bad for asthma patients
Fluid will accumulate in tissues resulting in swelling and further airway narrowing
