Asthma Flashcards by Munieh A

What is asthma?

Chronic inflammatory disease of the airways

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Is inflammation as a result of asthma reversible or irreversible?

Reversible

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What are the common symptoms of asthma?

Shortness of breath
Wheeze
Dyspnoea

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Asthma is often worse at night. True or false?

True

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What are the aims of treatment of asthma?

Minimise side effects
No need for rescue meds
Control symptoms, including nocturnal and exercise induced 
Prevent exacerbations 
Achieve best possible lung function

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What is some of the non-pharmacological management for asthma?

Avoid exposure to allergens
Stop smoking
Breastfeeding - reduces chances of baby developing 
Reduce weight if obese
Avoid NSAIDs and B-blockers
Avoid exercise in cold air

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What is an example of a relieve inhaler?

Salbutamol

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SABAs are relievers. True or false?

True

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What is an example of a preventer inhaler?

Beclomethasone

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ICS are preventers. True or false?

True

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What is an example of a controlled inhaler?

Salmeterol

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LABAs are controllers. True or false?

True

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Co-ordination is needed for the use of nebulisers. True or false?

False

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Formeterol is both a reliever and a controller true or false?

True

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What are some of the ADRs for B-agonists?

Hypokalaemia
Tremor
Tachycardia
Peripheral vasodilation

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Prednisolone is an inhaled corticosteroid. True or false?

False - oral

What is the route of administration for beclomethasone?

Inhalation

What is the route of administration for hydrocortisone?

Under what conditions is an ICS used?

Exacerbation of asthma in last 2 years
Using inhaled B2 agonist more than 3 times a week
Symptomatic more than 3 times a week
Waking 1 night per week

Hoarseness is an ADR of oral corticosteroids. True or false?

False - inhaled

Osteoporosis is an ADR of oral corticosteroids. True or false?

True

Hyperglycaemia is an ADR of inhaled corticosteroids. True or false?

False - oral

Does use of B2 agonists cause hyperkalaemia or hypokalaemia?

Hypokalaemia

Give two examples of leukotriene antagonists

Montelukast

Zafirlukast

Name 2 ADRs of leukotriene antagonists

Thirst Rash Sleep disturbance

Theophylline belongs to which group of drugs?

Methylxanthines

Theophylline is administered IV. True or false?

False - oral

Methylxanthines have a narrow therapeutic window. True or false?

True

What is the therapeutic range for methylxanthines?

10/20mg/ml

What effect does smoking have on the clearance of methylxanthines?

It increases clearance and therefore reduces plasma levels of methylxanthines meaning an increased dose is needed for same therapeutic effect if patient smokes

Obesity reduces the clearance and therefore increases the plasma levels of methylxanthines. True or false?

True

Name a cromone used in the treatment of asthma.

Nedocromil

Nedocromil is a preventer used in the treatment of which age group?

5-12 y/o

Which immunosuppressants are used in the treatment of asthma?

Methotrexate and ciclosporin

Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that is offered to all asthma patients. True or false?

False- patient has to meet specialist criteria

How is omalizumab administered?

S/c

PEF is independent of age, sex and height. True or false?

False - dependent

What four features determine that asthma is severe?

PEF< 50% ability to talk RR >25 HR > 110

What indicates that asthma is life-threatening?

PEF<50% RR>25 HR > 110 PLUS: silent chest, bradycardia, confusion, difficulty speaking full sentences