What is asthma?
Chronic inflammatory airway disease characterised by intermittent, variable airway obstruction that is usually reversible and hyper-reactivity/hypersensitivity to a variety of stimuli.
State some risk factors for asthma
State some possible asthma triggers
State some features of the presentation that would suggest asthma (not asking for symptoms asking for features in history/presentation)
State some symptoms of asthma- highlighting the most common
State 5 investigations you can use to diagnose asthma- highlighting which is first line
*Lecturer gave in this order exactly
State 5 investigations you can use to diagnose asthma- highlighting which is first line
What change do you need in spirometry with bronchodilator reversibility in order to diagnose asthma? (state for both children & adults)
What FeNO level do you need to diagnose asthma in both children & adults?
Bronchial challenge test can be direct or indirect; explain difference
*NOTE: NICE don’t seem to recommend for children
What results would you need in peak flow variability to diagnose asthma in both children & adults
>20% in both (after 2-4 weeks monitoring peak flow at least twice per day)
State some potential side effects of inhaled corticosteroids; think about side effects of low and high dose
Common side effects of ICS:
High dose ICS or prolonged treatment may lead to systemic absorption and cause side effects of systemic steroids (see image)
Asthma management uses a stepwise ladder; discuss principles of stepwise ladder
Discuss the general management of asthma for all children (and adults)
Discuss the management of asthma in children <5yrs
***CHECK ERS GUIDELINES/LECTURE AS HE SAID WILL STOP GIVING SABA ON IT’S OWN DUE TO INCREASED MORTALITY
Discuss the management of asthma in children aged 5-16yrs
*CHECK AS LECTURER SAID GUIDANCE CHANGING
What is MART?
Maintenance & reliever therapy
Single inhaler containing both ICS and fast acting LABA used for both daily maintenance and symptom relief as required
Definitions of what constitutes a low, moderate or high dose of ICS differs between sources; what are the NICE definitions
State some potential side effects of SABAs/LABAs
State some potential side effects of Montelukast (an LTRA)
Common
Less common
Parents may have concerns about ICS due to potential side effects- particularly about growth. Discuss how you could manage this in a consultation
Describe how to use a pressurised metered dose inhaler (PMDI) without a spacer
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ICS can cause oral candidiasis; state 2 ways to reduce risk oral candidiasis
State 3 advantages of using a spacer