Inhalations

Question 1

What the drugs which can be inhaled?

Answer 1

1. Steroids
2. Saline
3. Bronchodilators
4. Antibiotics

Question 2

When are antibiotics used?

Answer 2

used presence of infection
- pneumonia
- bacterial chest infection

Question 3

When are bronchodilators used?

Answer 3

• to reduce bronchoconstriction, dilating bronchioles
  e.g. asthma, CF, COPD, TB, pneumonia
• to increase mucocilary clearance in CF, useful before physio treatment to mobilise secretions

Question 4

When are steroids used?

Answer 4

• to reduce inflammation
• often given in same drug as bronchodilators

Question 5

When is saline used?

Answer 5

• as humidification
• moisturising airways
• more secretions more viscous

Question 6

What are the symptoms of dehydration?

Answer 6

• hypotension
• tachycardia
• drowsy
• dry mouth
• urine output?

Question 7

When is a nebuliser used?

Answer 7

• electrically powered inhaler medication delivered directly to the lungs
• used when patient is unable to take deep breaths or breath hold, making inhalers difficult

Question 8

What are advantages of inhalers?

Answer 8

• direct transmission of the drug to the target areas
• lowered dose of drug. minimizing undesirable side effects.