DPIs are recommended in children over what age?
5 years
In 3 and 5 years DPI can be considered if existing treatment is ineffective
What is the MHRA advice surrounding PMDIs?
Risk of airway obstruction from aspiration of loose objects. REMIND PATIENTS:
What are the different types of inhalers?
DPI
MDI
Breath actuated
How should you clean spacer devices?
Clean once a month by washing in mild detergent and then allowed to dry in air without rinsing; the mouthpiece should be wiped clean of detergent before use.
How often should spacers be replaced?
Every 6-12 months
What are the main nebulised drugs and their associated indications?
Why would you want to avoid high dose ICS in children?
Associated with adrenal suppression, growth impairment and reduced bone mineral density.
According to BTS guidelines, what should be prescribed if a patient has been diagnosed with asthma?
How does this differ in children?
Adult: SABA + Consider monitored initiation with low dose ICS
Children: Still use SABA but can start with a VERY low dose of ICS
If the pt is still symptomatic, short-lived wheezes, ICS should be used as a regular preventer
According to BTS and NICE guidelines, in what situations would a patient need a regular preventor?
BTS asthma guidelines in adults:
If a patient is on a regular low dose ICS and SABA yet symptoms are not being controlled, what would the next step up be?
Initial add on therapy;
Add inhaled LABA (normally as a combination inhaler with ICS) fixed dose or MART (Maintenance + Reliever therapy)
Currently: SABA + low dose ICS + LABA
BTS asthma Adults - Pt meds:
Low dose ICS and LABA combo
SABA
If no response to the LABA, what would the next step be?
Additional controller therapy;
Consider Stopping LABA and increase dose of ICS or adding LTRA
ltra; montelukast / zafirlukast
BTS asthma Adults - Pt meds:
Low dose ICS and LABA combo
SABA
If the patient is benefitting from the LABA yet symptoms are still not being controlled, what would the next step be?
Additional controller therapy;
Continue LABA and increase ICS to medium dose
At this point can also consider trials of:
LTRA //
S-R Theophylline
LAMA
BTS asthma Adults - Patient’s regular meds:
Medium dose ICS and LABA combination
SABA & Has had a trial of LTRA
If a patient is still symptomatic, what would the next step be?
Refer to specialist care.
BTS asthma guidelines in adults:
If exercise is a specific problem in patients taking inhaled corticosteroids who are otherwise well controlled, consider adding one of the following therapies:
Immediately prior to exercise, inhaled short-acting β₂ agonists are the drug of choice.
In an asthma attack, if a patient required nebulisers, is this driven by air or oxygen?
Oxygen
For asthmatic children under 5 years, what type of inhaler is recommended for bronchodilator therapy?
pMDI and spacer device, with facemask if necessary.
It contains a pressurised inactive gas that propels a dose in each ‘puff’ by pressing the top. Quick to use, small, and convenient to carry. It needs good co-ordination to press the canister and breathe in fully at the same time. Also known as “evohalers”
For asthmatic children under 5 years, what type of inhaler is recommended for corticosteroid therapy?
Pressurised metered-dose inhaler and spacer device, with a facemask if necessary
For asthmatic children between 5 and 15, what type of inhaler is recommended for corticosteroid therapy?
Pressurised metered-dose inhaler and spacer device
For asthmatic children between 5 and 15, what type(s) of inhalers is recommended for bronchodilator therapy?
Difference between pMDI, breath actuated MDI, DPI?
Consider a wider range of inhalers- not just PMDIs. What suits the patient and compliance
Pmdi; The standard MDI is the most widely used inhaler. However, common errors:
- Not shaking inhaler before using it.
- Inhaling too sharply /wrong time.
- Not holding your breath long enough after breathing in the contents.
BAI do not require you to press canister while you breathe in.
Other breath-activated inhalers are also calledDPI. These inhalers do not contain the pressurised inactive gas to propel the medicine. You don’t have to push the canister to release a dose. Instead, you trigger a dose by breathing in at the mouthpiece. Accuhalers, clickhalers, easyhalers, novolizers, turbohalers and twisthalers are all breath-activated dry powder inhalers. You need to breathe in fairly hard to get the powder into your lungs.
What is the target peak expiratory flow in asthma?
> 80%
2 .What steroid is the exception to this?
True or false:
BTS recommend that inhalers do not need to be prescribed by brand
False
They should be prescribed by brand
How long should be the initial trial of an ICS be in a child under 5?
After this trial, in what situation would you continue the ICS?
8 weeks and then review to see if it has benefitted
If they had another exacerbation within 4 weeks of stopping, then continue
When would you consider decreasing maintenance therapy for asthma?
What is the recommended dose reduction for ICS at a time and how often?
When a patient’s asthma has been controlled with their current maintenance therapy for at least THREE months
Reduction of 25-50% ICS dose every 3 months