Asthma

Question 1

What is asthma?

Answer 1

paroxysmal and reversible obstruction of airways due to inflammation and bronchial hyper-responsiveness

Question 2

What is the atopic triad?

Answer 2

Asthma, eczema, hayfever

Question 3

How many people in the UK are recieving treatment for asthma?

Answer 3

5.4 million

Question 4

Risk factors for asthma (6)

Answer 4

atopic history, FH, obesity, prematurity/low birth weight, smoking, early exposure to broad spectrum abx

Question 5

What is Samter’s triad?

Answer 5

Patients with asthma are more likely to have aspirin hypersensitivity and nasal polyps

Question 6

At what time of day is asthma worse?

Answer 6

night

Question 7

During at acute attack of asthma, what are likely symptoms?

Answer 7

• fast/laboured breathing
• hyperinflation of chest
• in children: intercostal recession
• expiratory ronchi
• widespread wheeze

Question 8

What are the spirometry findings in asthma?

Answer 8

low FEV1

Question 9

What are the PEFR findings in asthma?

Answer 9

low, with bronchodilator reversibility

Question 10

Diagnostic criteria for asthma

Answer 10

• clinicl history
• diurnal variation of >20% on PEFR for at least 3 days/wk for >2wks
• low FEV1/PEFR with positive affect post-bronchodilation

Question 11

What is PEFR

Answer 11

peak expiratory flow recording - shows maximum speed of expiration

Question 12

What is the step up treatment for asthma in adults?

Answer 12

1. SABA PRN
2. add regular ICS
3. add regular LABA (/LAMA)
4. increase ICS
5. add oral steroids