Asthma

Question 1

how common is asthma in children?

Answer 1

5-10% will have it

Question 2

how common in asthma in adults?

Answer 2

2-5% of adults will have asthma

Question 3

why does the airway narrow in asthma patients?

Answer 3

1. bronchial smooth muscle constriction
2. bronchial mucosal oedema
3. excessive mucous secretion into the airway lumen

Question 4

small radius changes can lead to?

Answer 4

large effects on airflow

Question 5

what are the symptoms of asthma?

Answer 5

• cough
• wheeze
• shortness of breath (acute attack)
• diurnal variation
• difficulty breathing OUT and lungs fill with air

Question 6

what tracks any airway resistance?

Answer 6

peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)

Question 7

what are some of the common triggers for asthma?

Answer 7

• infections
• environmental stimuli (dust, smoke, chemicals)
• cold air
• atopy (allergic to a range of environmental stimuli)

Question 8

what is the early and late asthma response known as?

Answer 8

asthma biphasic response

Question 9

how does the asthma biphasic response relate to a patient suffering an asthma attack in clinic?

Answer 9

patients that suffer a SEVERE asthma attack in clinic should be sent to A&E to prevent condition worsening later on! (will be given corticosteroids at hospital)

Question 10

what asthma drugs are used in mild conditions?

Answer 10

1. Intermittent short acting Beta-adrenergic Agonist

2. Inhaled Corticosteroids (low dose)

Question 11

what drugs are used in patients with moderate asthma?

Answer 11

3. Inhaled Corticosteroids (high dose)
4. Regular LONG-ACTING beta-adrenergic agonist

ALONGSIDE MILD ASTHMA DRUGS

Question 12

what is then used in patients where medications dont seem to help?

Answer 12

adjuvant therapy

Question 13

what is the function of beta-adrenergic agonists?

Answer 13

to relax the bronchial smooth muscle

• reduce bronchoconstriction
• reduce resting bronchial tone

Question 14

what type of beta-adrenergic agonists are there?

Answer 14

• short acting

- long acting

Question 15

what is the function of a SHORT ACTING beta-adrenergic agonist?

Answer 15

‘reliever drug’ (used during acute attack)

Question 16

what is the function of a LONG ACTING beta-adrenergic agonist?

Answer 16

‘preventer’ drug (use to prevent an acute attack)

Question 17

what must a long acting beta-adrenergic agonist be used alongside?

Answer 17

INHALED STEROID (commonly in the same puffer)

Question 18

what is the most effective asthma treatment when inhaled?

Answer 18

corticosteroids

Question 19

what is recommended if daily dose of corticosteroids exceeds 800micrograms in an adult?

Answer 19

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