GP Flashcards
(156 cards)
What to do with adult with high probability asthma?
Trial of treatment
What to do with adult with intermediate probability of asthma?
FEV1/FVC <0.7 –> trial of treatment
FEV1/FVC >0.7 –> futher investigation/referral
Adult with suspected asthma
Clinical assessment including spirometry (or PEF if not available)
Zones of peak flow?
Green = 80-100% of usual - good control Yellow = 50-79% of usual - caution, additional medication Red = <50% of usual - medical emergency, immediate action needs to be taken
Adults asthma ladder?
Step 1 = SABA + ICS (200-800 mcg)
Step 2 = Add a LABA. if response, continue. Benefit but not complete –> increase ICS to 800. No response –> stop LABA, increase ICS to 800, consider other treatments)
Step 3 = Increase ICS (2000 mcg) or add a fourth drug (LTRA, theophylline, beta agonist tablet)
Step 4 = add daily steroid tablet, conisder other treatments, refer for specialist care
When should you consider moving up the adult ladder?
If using SABA 3x per week
Kids asthma ladder?
Step 1 = SABA + very low dose ICS (200-400 mcg) or LTRA if <5
Step 2 = Add a LABA. if response, continue. Benefit but not complete –> increase ICS to low dose (400). No response –> stop LABA, increase ICS to 400, consider other treatments)
OR LTRA if <5
Step 3 = Increase ICS to medium dose (800 mcg) or add a fourth drug ( theophylline)
Step 4 = add daily steroid tablet, maintain medium dose ICS, consider other treatments, refer for specialist care
How do you step down treatment in asthma?
Consider every 3 months, 25-50% each time
Side effects of SABAs?
Tremor, headache, muscle cramps, palpitations, hypokalaemia
Side effects of ICS?
Oral candidiasis
Sore mouth
Dysphonia/hoarseness
Long term = osteoporosis, adrenal suppression
Doses of ICS for children?
> 12 = 200 mcg BD
5-12 = 100 mcg BD
<5 = 100 mcg BD (lower = 40 mcg BD)
Examples of combination inhalers? (LABA and ICS)
Symbicort = budesonide + formoterol
Seretide = fluticasone + salmeterol
Fostair = beclometasone + formoterol
Examples of LTRA?
Montelukast, zafirlukast
Complications and side effects of montelukast?
Associated with liver toxicity
Well tolerated and have few class-related adverse effects
Side effects of theophylline? How often should levels be taken?
(At high plasma concentrations) Nausea/Vom Tremor Palpitations Arrhythmias
Every 6-12 months
Side effects of oral steroids?
(Long-term)
Osteoporosis Hypertension Diabetes Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression Weight gain Cataracts Glaucoma Skin thinning Easy bruising Muscle weakness
Self-management in asthma?
Education
Personalised asthma action plan (PAAP) - regular review
Trigger avoidance, smoke-free environment
Secondary prevention of asthma
Stopping smoking support
Weight loss support
Breathing exercise programmes (can improve QoL and reduce symptoms)
Signs and symptoms of AF?
Palpitations, tired/breathless, angina, ankle oedema, syncope, dizziness
Irregularly irregular pulse, loss of association between cardiac apex beat and radial pulsation
Diagnosis of AF?
ECG if irreg irreg pulse felt
If paroxysmal suspected –> 24 hour tape
ECG in AF?
No P waves
Chaotic baseline
Irregular ventricular rate
Rate often 160-180 but can be lower
Classifications of AF?
Paroxysmal = >2 episodes that terminae within 7 days
Persistent = >7 days of AF >48h in which decision made to perform cardioversion
Long standing persistent = consistent SF of >12 months duration
Permanent = decision made to cease attempts to restore sinus rhythm
Causes of AF?
Cardiac = hypertension, valvular, heart disease, heart failure, IHD
Resp = chest infections, PE, lung cancer
Systemic = alcohol, thyrotoxicosis, electrolyte depletion, infections, CKD
Investigations in AF?
TFTs, FBC, U&E, calcium, magnesium, glucose
TT echo if structural or functional heart disease suspected
CXR if lung pathology suspected