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Flashcards in Asthma Deck (13)
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1
Q

what is it

A
hyperplasia of smooth muscle
oedema accumulation 
increased mucus secretion 
bronchoconstriction 
chronic airway inflammation (eosinophilic)
airway remodelling
2
Q

what type hypersensitivity

A

type 1

3
Q

when does it come on

A

it is an episodic reversible bronchoconstriction

early or late onset

4
Q

what are intrinsic causes

A

exercise, cold

5
Q

what are extrinsic causes

A

drugs, chemical, smoke, pollen, dust, animal dander, fungi, viral infection

6
Q

what are symptoms

A
dyspnoea 
tight chest 
wheezing 
non-productive cough 
diurnal variation
non-progressive
episodic/intermittent
7
Q

how is it diagnosed

A
salbutamol reversibility >15%
diurnal variation in peak flow rate 
normal gas exchange 
reduced FEV1 to under 75%
preserved FVC and TLCO
provocation testing - exercise or allergen 
may find crackles if infection
8
Q

1st line treatment

A

SABA (salbutamol)

9
Q

2nd line treatment

A

low dose ICS (beclomethasone, budesonide, prednisolone)

10
Q

3rd line treatment

A

add LABA (salmeterol) to low dose ICS

11
Q

4th line treatment

A

leukotriene receptor antagonist (monteleukast)
Xanthines (theophylline)
LAMA (tiotropium)

12
Q

5th line treatment

A

consider increasing ICS up to high dose or addition of fourth drug eg LTRA, xanthine or LAMA - refer to specialist

13
Q

6th line treatment

A

use daily steroid tablet in lowest dose providing adequate control
maintain high dose ICS and consider other treatments to minimise use of steroid tablets
refer to specialist