Management of Asthma

Question 1

What is the role of Short-Acting Beta-Agonists (SABAs) in asthma?

Answer 1

SABAs, like albuterol, provide quick bronchodilation to relieve acute asthma symptoms.

Question 1

How do SABAs work?

Answer 1

They stimulate β2-adrenoceptors in the lungs, causing relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle.

Question 2

Give an example of a SABA

Answer 2

Albuterol (salbutamol).

Question 3

What is a side effect of SABAs?

Answer 3

Common side effects include tremor, nervousness, and increased heart rate.

Question 4

What is the role of anticholinergics in asthma?

Answer 4

Anticholinergics, like ipratropium, help bronchodilate by blocking muscarinic receptors.

Question 5

What is the mainstay of long-term asthma control?

Answer 5

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) like fluticasone and budesonide.

Question 6

How do inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) work in asthma?

Answer 6

They reduce inflammation in the airways, decreasing sensitivity and frequency of asthma attacks.

Question 7

Name a potential side effect of inhaled corticosteroids.

Answer 7

Oral thrush, which can be minimized by rinsing the mouth after use.

Question 8

When are Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs) used in asthma treatment?

Answer 8

LABAs, like salmeterol, are used as maintenance therapy in combination with ICS for long-term control.

Question 9

Why should LABAs not be used alone in asthma?

Answer 9

They can mask worsening inflammation, so they are only recommended alongside ICS.

Question 10

Give an example of a LABA.

Answer 10

Salmeterol or formoterol.

Question 11

What are Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (LTRAs) used for in asthma?

Answer 11

LTRAs, like montelukast, reduce airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction by blocking leukotrienes.

Question 12

How are LTRAs administered?

Answer 12

They are taken orally, usually as tablets.

Question 13

Name a side effect of montelukast.

Answer 13

Possible mood changes or increased risk of suicidal thoughts in some patients.

Question 14

What is the role of mast cell stabilizers in asthma?

Answer 14

Mast cell stabilizers, like cromolyn sodium, prevent the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells.

Question 15

Why are mast cell stabilizers rarely used in asthma today?

Answer 15

Newer medications are often more effective, but they can be useful in certain cases of mild asthma.

Question 16

What are monoclonal antibodies used for in asthma?

Answer 16

They are used for severe asthma cases, especially if the patient has allergic asthma.

Question 17

Give an example of a monoclonal antibody used in asthma.

Answer 17

Omalizumab, which targets IgE.

Question 18

How does omalizumab work in asthma?

Answer 18

It binds to IgE, preventing it from triggering allergic inflammation.

Question 19

When are oral corticosteroids used in asthma?

Answer 19

For short courses during severe asthma exacerbations.

Question 20

Name an example of an oral corticosteroid used in asthma.

Answer 20

Prednisone.

Question 21

What are some side effects of long-term oral corticosteroid use?

Answer 21

Osteoporosis, weight gain, and adrenal suppression.

Question 22

What is a combination inhaler in asthma treatment?

Answer 22

An inhaler that contains both an ICS and a LABA.

Question 23

Give an example of a combination inhaler.

Answer 23

Fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair).

Question 24

Why is it important to rinse the mouth after using ICS?

Answer 24

To prevent oral thrush (candidiasis).

Question 25

Why are beta-agonists effective in asthma treatment?

Answer 25

They relax bronchial smooth muscle, relieving bronchoconstriction.

Question 26

What is a common side effect of beta-agonists?

Answer 26

Increased heart rate or tremors.

Question 27

How do anticholinergics aid in asthma management?

Answer 27

They reduce mucus production and prevent bronchoconstriction by blocking muscarinic receptors.

Question 28

Why should ICS and LABAs always be used together in asthma?

Answer 28

To provide both anti-inflammatory effects and sustained bronchodilation without masking inflammation.

Question 29

What is the purpose of using a spacer with an inhaler?

Answer 29

It helps improve drug delivery to the lungs and reduces medication deposition in the mouth.

Question 30

Why might a patient with asthma be prescribed a monoclonal antibody?

Answer 30

If they have severe, uncontrolled allergic asthma despite other treatments.

Question 31

What should be monitored when a patient is on long-term ICS?

Answer 31

Growth in children, bone density, and signs of adrenal suppression.

Question 32

Why are LTRAs advantageous in asthma management?

Answer 32

They provide an oral option for patients with mild asthma or for those with concurrent allergic rhinitis.

Question 32

How often should SABAs be used by asthma patients?

Answer 32

Only as needed for acute symptom relief; frequent use indicates poor asthma control.

Question 33

What is the benefit of quick-relief medications like SABAs in asthma?

Answer 33

They provide rapid relief of acute symptoms.

Question 34

Which class of drugs directly reduces inflammation in asthma?

Answer 34

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).

Question 35

Why are oral corticosteroids avoided for long-term asthma control?

Answer 35

Due to significant systemic side effects with prolonged use.

Question 36

What type of asthma are monoclonal antibodies primarily used for?

Answer 36

Severe, allergic asthma unresponsive to conventional therapies.

Question 37

Why might a beta-blocker be contraindicated in asthma?

Answer 37

It can block β2-receptors, leading to bronchoconstriction.

Question 38

What combination might be prescribed for moderate-to-severe persistent asthma?

Answer 38

An ICS/LABA combination inhaler for daily use, with a SABA for rescue.