Asthma

Question 1

How does asthma work?

Answer 1

Exposure to a trigger, antigen binds to mast cells causing release of inflammatory mediators in bronchiole system.

Causes broncho spasm
Bronchial wall oedema
Mucous plugging

Question 2

What are the Suns and symptoms of asthma?

Answer 2

Wheeze
Tachypnnoea
Arrhythmias (ventricular)
Hypoxia

Question 3

What do you do for a conscious asthmatic patient?

Answer 3

Salbutamol and atrovent. If no response give 500mcg of adrenaline IM @ 5/60 max 1.5mg

Question 4

What do you do for an unconscious asthmatic patient with cardiac output?

Answer 4

Ventilate 6to 7 ml/kg @ 5 to 8 vent/min with prolonged expiratory phase.

Question 5

What do you do for an unconscious asthmatic patient with no cardiac output?

Answer 5

Allow for 1 minute of apnea

Cardiac arrest guidelines

Question 6

What is asthma?

Answer 6

A reversible inflammatory disease of the small airways characterised by bronchospasm, bronchial wall oedema, and mucous plugging