Asthma Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and what is it used to monitor?
It is the maximum flow rate during forceful exhalation, used to monitor airway obstruction, especially in asthma.
Which OTC medicines should be avoided in people with asthma?
Aspirin and other NSAIDs should be avoided, as they can precipitate an asthmatic attack in some people.
What is the recommended treatment for newly diagnosed asthma in people aged 12 years and over?
An ICS/LABA combination inhaler as needed (anti-inflammatory reliever therapy) or maintenance and reliever therapy (MART).
What is the role of FeNO monitoring in asthma management for adults?
FeNO monitoring is used to identify airway inflammation and assess the response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).
What is the recommended use of spacer devices in asthma treatment?
Spacer devices increase the amount of medication delivered to the lungs and reduce oropharyngeal deposition.
What is the primary action of a Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (LTRA) in asthma treatment?
LTRAs block the action of leukotrienes, which contribute to airway constriction and inflammation.
In children under 5 years of age with suspected or confirmed asthma, what is the first line of treatment?
A trial of twice-daily low-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) with a SABA as needed.
What should be done if asthma symptoms are not controlled despite treatment with a moderate-dose ICS/LABA combination inhaler?
Add a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) or a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA).
If an adult with asthma has severe symptoms or symptoms are not controlled with AIR therapy, what should be done?
Switch to maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) using a low-dose ICS/formoterol combination inhaler, or consider moderate-dose ICS/LABA combination inhaler.
What is the first-line treatment for children with asthma aged 5-11 years?
Offer twice-daily low-dose ICS with a SABA as needed.
If asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled in children, what should be done next?
Consider prescribing MART (maintenance and reliever therapy) or adding an LTRA for additional control.
What are the signs of a life-threatening asthma exacerbation?
Cyanosis, drowsiness, exhaustion, poor respiratory effort, confusion, oxygen saturation <92%, hypotension, PEF <33% of best or predicted, silent chest.
What are the signs of an acute severe asthma exacerbation in adults?
Inability to complete sentences in one breath, oxygen saturation <92%, respiratory rate >25 breaths per minute, pulse rate >110 beats per minute, and PEF 33–50% of best or predicted.
How do you manage a life-threatening asthma exacerbation?
Administer controlled oxygen (94–98% saturation), nebulised salbutamol, nebulised ipratropium bromide, and oral or intramuscular corticosteroids (prednisolone or methylprednisolone/hydrocortisone).
What dose of nebulised salbutamol is given for an acute severe asthma exacerbation in adults and children?
5 mg for adults and 2.5 mg for children aged 2–5 years via oxygen-driven nebuliser.
What is the initial dose of oral prednisolone for adults and children during an asthma exacerbation?
Adults: 40–50 mg, Children aged 6–15 years: 30–40 mg, Children aged 2–5 years: 20 mg, Children under 2 years: 10 mg.
What should not be routinely prescribed for asthma exacerbations?
Antibiotics, unless there is evidence of a concurrent bacterial infection.
