What is obstructive lung disease?
Trouble exhaling air from lungs.
Examples include asthma, cystic fibrosis, and COPD.
What is restrictive lung disease?
Trouble filling lungs fully.
Examples include pneumonia, TB, and pleural effusions.
What is Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)?
Total amount of air exhaled from lungs.
What is Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1)?
Amount of air rapidly exhaled in one second.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Recurrent, episodic symptoms of dry cough (nighttime), wheezing, and chest tightness.
How is asthma diagnosed?
Based on symptoms and spirometry.
A >12% increase in FEV1 post-bronchodilator suggests asthma.
What is the preferred rescue inhaler per GINA 2024 guidelines?
L-ICS/LABA (Formoterol).
What defines mild intermittent asthma?
FEV1 >80%, symptoms <2 times per week, PM awakenings <2 times per month, no limitation of daily activities.
What defines mild persistent asthma?
FEV1 >80%, symptoms >2 times per week (not daily), PM awakenings 3-4 times per month, mild limitation of daily activities.
What defines moderate persistent asthma?
FEV1 60-80%, daily symptoms throughout the day, PM awakenings >1 time per week (not nightly), moderate limitation of daily activities.
What defines severe persistent asthma?
FEV1 <60%, nightly symptoms, severe limitation of daily activities.
What does ICS stand for?
Inhaled corticosteroid (e.g., Fluticasone, Budesonide, Beclomethasone).
What does SABA stand for?
Short-acting beta-agonist (e.g., Albuterol).
Never given alone, always with an ICS.
What does LABA stand for?
Long-acting beta-agonist (e.g., Salmeterol, Formoterol).
What does LTRA stand for?
Leukotriene receptor antagonist (e.g., Montelukast, Zafirlukast).
What can peak flow readings determine?
They can determine if treatment is successful.
What are the three key factors that impact peak flow?
Height, age, and gender.
What does a green peak flow reading (80-100%) indicate?
Taper down maintenance medications.
What does a yellow peak flow reading (50-80%) indicate?
Increase maintenance dosing or possible asthma exacerbation.
What does a red peak flow reading (<50%) indicate?
Call 911 if still <50% after rescue medications.
What is recommended for exercise-induced asthma?
SABAs (e.g., Albuterol) are still recommended for use.
When should you use an inhaler before exercise?
Use it 10-20 minutes before exercise; effects last ~4 hours.
What is the mechanism of action of inhaled corticosteroids?
They decrease airway inflammation.
What should you do after using inhaled corticosteroids?
Rinse mouth to avoid oral thrush.
