RESP ashtma Flashcards
(142 cards)
what are three characteristics of asthma?
- airflow limitation
- airway hyper-responsiveness
- Bronchial inflammation
what causes inflammation in airways?
- Increase in mast cell mediated release of histamine, tryptase, PGD2 and cytokines
- increase eosinophils in the bronchial wall releasing LTC4
- Increase CD4
what are the results of lung function tests in asthma?
- peak expiratory flow rate before and after using a bronchodilator
- spirometry will show an obstructive condition
what is the step wise management of asthma?
- SABA
- Low dose corticosteroids
- +LABA
- +high dose inhaled corticosteroids and regular bronchodilator
- oral corticosteroid
how are SABAS used in asthma?
Salbutamol 100mg. Can be used in any step
when are inhaled low dose corticosteroids used in asthma treatment?
From step 2 (with SABA)
what are unwanted effects of inhaled corticosteroids?
oral candidiasis
hoarseness
What are signs of an asthma attack?
- inability to complete a sentence in one breath
- RR>25
- tachycardia >110
- PEFR<50%
what is management of an asthma attack?
Nebulised SABA
CXR to exclude causes
oral prednisolone
how does SABA work?
A beta 2 agonist
smooth muscle relaxation on the bronchi
what are the major side effects of SABA?
tachycardia fight or flight effects - palpitations - anxiety -tremor
how do leukotriene antagonists work?
- bronchodilator and anti inflammatory effect
- stop the formation of LTC4,LTD4,LTR4 which are all pro inflammatory
what drug should you not give an asthmatics?
NSAIDS especially COX 1 specific
Beta blockers (bronchoconstriction)
what is the emergency management for life threatening asthma?
Nebulised oxygen and salbutamol Hydrocortisone
Ipratropium
Magnesium sulphate if they get resp acidosis
what is the role of NIV in the management of acute asthma?
It has no place here
what are features of severe asthma?
- peak flow 33-50% of predicted
- RR>25
HR >110 - Can’t complete sentences
what are features of life threatening asthma?
- peak flow <33% predicted
- oxygen sats <92%
- hypoxic
- silent chest cyanosis
- bradycardia
- hypotension
- exhaustion
- confusion
what is the emergency management of asthma for someone coming into A and E?
O- nebulised oxygen S-salbutamol H- hydrocortisone I- ipratropium M- magnesium sulphate if they get resp acidosis T-theophiline
what symptoms are experienced by people with COPD?
- COB
- productive cough
- increased sputum
- frequent bronchitis
- pursed lipped breathing
- red faced
what are the systemic symptoms of COPD?
- cachexia
- increased CRP leading to increased CVS risk
- normochromic normocytic anaemia
- systemic inflammation
what clinical signs are found in people with COPD?
- nicotine stained fingers due to heavy smoking
- pursed lip breathing
- breathing with accessory muscles
- barrel chested
- reduced expansion
- crackles
- soft heart sounds
- hypercapnia
- hyperinflation
- liver problems if there is an AAT deficiency.
what anatomical changes are involved in the pathophys of COPD?
Proximal airways:
- trachea and cartilagenous airways become enlarged >2mm due to submucosal bronchial enlargment, squamous metaplasia of the airway epithelium and increased smooth muscle
The peripheral airways become <2mm as there is increased macrophages ND FIBROBLASTS.
- alveolour wall destruction and emphysema
where is centrilobular emphysema?
Main in the upper lobes associated with smokers.
what is panacinar emphysema?
Destruction of the acinus seen in AAT deficiency. affects the lower zomes