BRONCHIAL ASTHMA ( FLASH CARDS )

Question 1

What is bronchial asthma?

Answer 1

Chronic inflammatory disease of the airways

Characterized by widespread narrowing of the air passages, leading to symptoms like cough, dyspnea, and wheezy chest.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of severe asthma attacks?

Answer 2

Severe dyspnea, cyanosis, fatigue, tachycardia

Severe asthma attacks can lead to critical respiratory distress.

Question 3

What are the main categories of drugs used in the treatment of bronchial asthma?

Answer 3

1. Bronchodilators
2. Anti-inflammatory drugs
3. Expectorants and mucolytics
4. Oxygen inhalation

Question 4

What are bronchodilators used for?

Answer 4

Short term relief of bronchial asthma symptoms

They help in bronchodilation and improving airflow.

Question 5

Name two types of sympathomimetics used as bronchodilators.

Answer 5

1. Non-selective β agonists
2. Selective β2 agonists

Question 6

Give an example of a non-selective β agonist.

Answer 6

Adrenaline

Question 7

Name two selective β2 agonists.

Answer 7

1. Salbutamol (short acting)
2. Salmeterol and Formoterol (long acting)

Question 8

What is the mechanism of action of sympathomimetics?

Answer 8

Bronchodilation, mast cell stabilization, decrease bronchial secretions

They improve mucociliary clearance.

Question 9

What are the adverse effects of sympathomimetics?

Answer 9

1. Tremors
2. Tachycardia
3. Tolerance
4. Nervousness

Question 10

What is the mechanism of action of Ipratropium Bromide?

Answer 10

Muscarinic antagonist that prevents bronchospasm induced by acetylcholine

Question 11

What is the primary use of Theophylline?

Answer 11

Inhibit PDE4, leading to increased intracellular cAMP and relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle

It also stabilizes mast cells and decreases histamine release.

Question 12

What are the adverse effects associated with Theophylline?

Answer 12

1. Tachycardia
2. Palpitations
3. Nervousness
4. Insomnia
5. Convulsions

Question 13

What are leukotriene antagonists used for?

Answer 13

To decrease the frequency of asthma attacks

Includes Cysteinyl leukotriene antagonists like Montelukast.

Question 14

What is the function of mast cell stabilizers?

Answer 14

Inhibit mast cell degranulation and prevent the release of allergic mediators

Question 15

Name a mast cell stabilizer used for prophylaxis.

Answer 15

Disodium cromoglycate (Intal)

Question 16

What are the side effects of Disodium cromoglycate?

Answer 16

1. Headache
2. Diarrhea
3. Pruritus
4. Nausea
5. Vomiting

Question 17

What is the mechanism of action of corticosteroids in asthma treatment?

Answer 17

Act as anti-inflammatory agents and potentiate the effects of β2 agonists

Question 18

Name two corticosteroids used in asthma treatment.

Answer 18

1. Prednisolone
2. Dexamethasone

Question 19

What is the purpose of oxygen inhalation in asthma treatment?

Answer 19

Used in cases of hypoxia, cyanosis, and respiratory acidosis

Question 20

What is the first step in the treatment of acute bronchial asthma?

Answer 20

Use selective β2 agonist e.g., salbutamol (2 puffs)

Question 21

What should be done if the response to salbutamol is not adequate?

Answer 21

Use aminophylline slowly IV (250-500 mg)

Question 22

What is the treatment for status asthmaticus?

Answer 22

Hospitalization, oxygen inhalation, hydrocortisone IV infusion, bronchodilators

Also includes correction of dehydration.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Long term prophylaxis for asthma includes avoiding exposure to _______.

Answer 23

[precipitating factors]

Question 24

What are the long-acting β agonists used for?

Answer 24

Long-term control of bronchial asthma