RESP SYS Flashcards
What type of disease is asthma?
Obstructive - resistance to airflow during inspiration and expiration
What are symptoms of asthma?
Dyspnoea, wheezing during exhale, tight chest, cough (sometimes), night disturbances
What can cause asthma?
Genetic factors
Environmental - Allergens, pollutants, Infection, stress
What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and umbrella term for?
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
How do you diagnose asthma?
Spirometry, peak flow meter, asthma control questionnaire, Asthma control test, forced expiratory nitrous oxide, eosinophil differential count
What do you do to step up the treatment of an asthma patient who’s on a SABA already?
Adding a ICS alongside the SABA -> if worsen -> Adding a LTRA with everything else -> Adding a LABA with everything (consider LTRA) -> combining ICS+LABA for a mart.
What does theophylline do when overdosed? (Xanthine bronchodilator)
Severe vomiting, agitation, dilated pupils (similar to caffeine overdose)
What do you issue to patients on prolonged high doses of steroids?
Steroid card
What are the drugs in the bronchodilator class
B-adrenoreceptor agonists
Xanthines
Muscarinic receptor antagonist
Histamine receptor antagonists
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors
What are the drug in the anti-inflammatory classes
Gluccocorticoids
Cromglicate and nedromil
Anti-IgE
What do Xanthines do?
(Phosphodiesterase (PDE) metabolises cAMP)
Methylxanthines inhibit PDE, so cAMP levels stay high. This result in no smooth muscle contraction which relaxes it.
What are muscarinic antagonists used for? (Ipratropium, Tiotropium)
COPD
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Chest tightness, wheeze, cough, breathlessness
