Obstructive Lung Disorders - Asthma Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is asthma?
A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways involving reversible airflow obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
What causes asthma?
Triggers such as allergens, irritants, exercise, cold air, and respiratory infections initiate a Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction.
What happens during an asthma attack?
Allergen → Mast cell degranulation → Release of inflammatory & chemotactic mediators → Vasodilation & ↑ vascular permeability → Oedema, ↑ mucus, bronchospasm → Airway obstruction.
What are the clinical manifestations of asthma?
Wheezing, dyspnoea, cough, prolonged expiration, tachypnoea, bronchospasm.
What is the early stage of an asthma attack?
Hypocapnia and respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation.
What is the late stage of an asthma attack?
Hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis due to fatigue and worsening airflow obstruction.
What is status asthmaticus?
A severe asthma attack that does not respond to standard pharmacological treatment; it is life-threatening.
How is asthma diagnosed?
History, physical exam, IgE blood test, skin allergy test, chest X-ray, ABG analysis, and spirometry.
What are reliever medications for asthma?
Salbutamol (short-acting beta-2 agonist), ipratropium (anticholinergic).
What are symptom controllers for asthma?
Salmeterol, formoterol (long-acting beta-2 agonists).
What are preventer medications for asthma?
Inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene antagonists.
What are combination medications for asthma?
Fluticasone + Salmeterol (Seretide), Budesonide + Eformoterol (Symbicort).
What is anti-immunoglobulin therapy for asthma?
Omalizumab – anti-IgE monoclonal antibody.
What is hypocapnia?
Low CO₂
What are the two mediators released from Mast Cell degranulation?
Inflammatory and Chemotactic
What causes oedema in the respiratory tract?
Vasodilation from inflammatory mediators leading to increased vascular permeability
Cellular infiltration of mediators can cause?
Alterations to normal autonomic control of bronchial smooth muscle leading to bronchospasm
Hypocapnia with respiratory alkalosis and high pH is?
Early Stage
Hypercapnia with respiratory acidosis and low pH is?
Late Stage
What is a normal pH?
7.35
What are the 5 medication types for asthma?
Reliever, Symptom controller, Preventative medicine, Combination, Anti-Immunoglobulin therapy. Mnemonic: ‘Really Smart People Can Act’
What are 3 management plans for asthma patients we should ensure they have as nurses?
A written Asthma management plan, self-monitoring, patient education with treatment options, encourage regular reviews. Mnemonic: ‘PSE Review’ (Plan, Self-monitor, Educate & Review)
What is hypercapnia?
High CO₂
What is the pathophysiology sequence in asthma? (Use mnemonic BREATHE)
B - Bronchospasm, R - Response to allergen (mast cells), E - Edema, A - Air trapping, T - Thick mucus, H - Hyperreactive airways, E - Exhalation difficulty.
