Respiratory Flashcards
(108 cards)
What is the main risk factor for COPD?
Smoking
What condition does alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency make you more susceptible for? And what is the usual age of onset?
COPD (lung disease) and Liver disease. Lung disease usually comes on at the age of 20-50.
What are the signs of emphysema? (PP or BB)
Pink Puffer = Barrel chest, pursed lips, muscle wasting
What is the pathology of emphysema?
Reduced elasting which causes reduced surface area –> collapsed alveoli. Due to reduced recoil this causes air trapping.
What would the blood gases look like for a patient with suspected emphysema?
Normal. Due to the effort they put in (pursed lips).
What are the signs of Chronic Bronchitis? (PP or BB)
BB = Productive cough, oedema and raised JVP. VQ mismatch and right heart failure. Fibrosis may be present and they may be hypoxic.
What is the pathology of Chronic bronchitis?
Hypersecretion and reduced cilia = airway obstruction
What are the 2 main investigations for COPD diagnosis - and what would they show?
Chest X-ray –> flat diaphragm and hyperinflated
Spirometry - reduced exhalation. FEV1:FVC = less than 70%
What is the 1st line treatment for COPD (in most patients - non-pharmalogical)?
SMOKING CESSATION
What are the pharmacological options for patients with COPD? (1st option –> if there are exacerbations –> oral –> aids –> surgery)
Inhaler = B2 agonist (salbutamol) or M3 antagonist
+ corticosteroid inhaler if there are exacerbations
Oral = Theophylline (dilation) or Macrolides - reduce exacerbations for ex-smokers
Aids = Oxygen - long term or ambulatory
Surgery = Lung transplant or resection (remove damaged area so the rest is more efficient)
What is the definition of asthma?
Reversible widespread bronchoconstriction which varies over time.
What are the symptoms of asthma? (is there a time pattern)
Breathlessness Chest tightness Cough Wheeze - diurnal variation
Non-specific triggers of asthma?
Exercise, cold air, fumes and smoke
Specific triggers of asthma?
Allergens
What are the 2 forms of asthma?
Atopic (allergic) or Intrinsic
Atopic asthma - When is the onset? What are other common co-morbidities? What antibody is produced and where? How do they respond to treatment?
Childhood onset
Eczema and rhinitis
IgE - systemically (skin prick test)
Good response to treatment
Intrinsic asthma - When is the onset? What are other common co-morbidities? What antibody is produced and where? How do they respond to treatment?
Late onset (adulthood)
Sinusitis and polyps
IgE - locally
Reduced response to treatment - increased response when steroids are used.
Which cells in the lamina propria are increased in asthma- and what are their roles (3)
Mast cells - histamine release Neutrophils - pro-inflammatory T2 helper cells - become unregulated - IL 13/4 = activate mast cells - IL 9 = Activate MC complex - IL 5 = increased eosinophils
What are the 2 stages of a asthma attack?
Early - rapid FEV1 drop - mast degranulation
Late (4-12 hours) - eosinophil recruitment - gradual FEV1 drop
What are the investigations for asthma (2)?
FeNO - 40ppb +
Spirometry - FEV1:FVC = less than 70%
- What is the reliever treatment for asthma? (when do you move to next treatment) ?
SHort acting B2 agonist (salbutamol)
Move up pathway if using 3+ times a week
- Initial preventer treatment for asthma?
Low dose inhaled corticosteroid - beclomethasone
- Add on preventer treatment for asthma?
Long acting B2 agonist (salmeterol)
- 2nd add on for asthma?
Anti-leukotrienes (Montelukast) - reduce constriction and anti-inflammatory.
Theophylline - Increase cAMP (bronchodilator)
Long acting muscarinic antagonist (ipratropium) - reduce constriction and mucus