Respiratory Drugs Flashcards
(20 cards)
drugs that block the release or action of hist-amine, a chemical released during inflammation that increases secretions and narrows airwavs
antihistamines
drugs that block the cough reflex
antitussives
drugs that decrease the blood flow to the upper respiratory tract and decrease the overproduction of secretions
decongestants
drugs that increase productive cough to clear the airways
expectorants
drugs that increase or liquefy respiratory secretions to aid the clearing of the airways
mucolytics
A process that occurs when the nasal passages become congested as the effect of a decongestant drug wears off; patients tend to use more drug to decrease the congestion, and a vicious circle of conges-tion, drug, and congestion develops, leading to abuse of the decongestant; also called rhinitis medicamentosa
rebound congestion
Reflex reaction to vasoconstriction caused by decongestants; a rebound vasodilation that often leads to prolonged overuse of decongestants; also called rebound congestion
rhinitis medicamentosa
Medication used to facilitate respirations by dilating the airways; helpful in symptomatic relief or prevention of bronchial asthma and bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
bronchodilator
Abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by apneic periods followed by periods of tachypnea; may reflect delayed blood flow through the brain
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
Drugs that selectively and competitively block or antagonize receptors for the production of leukotrienes D4 and E4, components of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRSA)
leukotriene receptor antagonists
Drug that works at the cellular level to inhibit the release of histamine (released from mast cells in response to inflammation or irritation) and the release of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRSA)
mast cell stabilizer
Drugs that mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system
sympathomimetics
Naturally occurring substances, including caffeine and theophylline, that have a direct effect on the smooth muscle of the respiratory tract, both in the bronchi and in the blood vessels
xanthines
These drugs dilates the brochi and broncioles which decreases the resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lungs;
- Xanthines
- Sympathomimetics
- Anticholinergics
BRONCHODILATORS/ ANTIASTHMATICS
It is an inflammation of the lungs caused either by bacterial or viral invasion of the tissue or by aspiration of foreign substances into the lower respiratory tract.
Pneumonia
It is a chronic disease that involves the bronchi and bronchioles. It is characterized by dilation of the bronchial tree and chronic infection and inflammation of the bronchial passages.
Bronchiectasis
It is characterized by reversible bronchospasm, inflam-mation, and hyperactive airways
Asthma
It occurs when bacteria, viruses, or foreign materials infect the inner layer of the bronchi. There is an immediate inflammatory reaction at the site of the infection, resulting in swelling, increased blood flow in that area, and changes in capillary permeability, leading to leakage of proteins into the area.
Acute bronchitis
It occurs when the epithelial lining of the sinus cavities becomes inflamed.
Sinusitis
These are infections of the pharynx and larynx, respectively. These infections are frequently caused by common bacteria or viruses. They are frequently seen with influenza, which is caused by a variety of different viruses and produces uncomfortable respiratory symptoms or other inflammations along with fever, muscle aches and pains, and malaise.
Pharyngitis and laryngitis
