Asthma

Question 1

What are the three key asthma differentials?

Answer 1

COPD exacerbation
Pulmonary oedema
Upper airway obstruction

Question 2

What investigations should you order in suspected asthma?

Answer 2

ABG, CXR, ECG
RBC, CRP, U+E, LFT
Sputum culture
Peak flow

Question 3

4 main symptoms?

Answer 3

SOB
Cough
Wheeze

Question 4

What is the definition of asthma?

Answer 4

Reversible lower airway obstruction

Question 5

What are the 3 key questions you should ask?

Answer 5

How many times today have you used your inhaler? What is your normal usage?
When did the attack start
Have you ever had any ITU admissions?

Question 6

Which drugs can trigger asthma attacks?

Answer 6

Betablockers

Question 7

What are the key signs of asthma?

Answer 7

Distressed and tachypnoeic
Expiratory wheeze, prolonged expiratory wheeze
Use of accessory muscles

Question 8

How can you differentiate between a severe and less severe attack?

Answer 8

ABG - see if CO2 is raised

Question 9

Why do you do a CXR in suspected asthma?

Answer 9

To rule out other diagnoses

Question 10

What is the treatment for asthma?

Answer 10

Oxford handbook that shit