Corticosteroids in Respiratory Care

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to corticosteroids in respiratory care as mentioned in the lecture notes.

Inhaled Corticosteroids

Improve breathing by decreasing lung inflammation.

Chronic Inflammation

Persistent inflammation in the lungs leading to asthma attacks and symptoms occurring more than 2 days per week.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

Pathway that regulates the release and control of corticosteroids.

HPA Suppression

Inhibition of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands due to administration of glucocorticoids.

Mast Cells

Key effector cells in the inflammatory response, particularly in asthma.

Eosinophils

White blood cells that play a crucial role in mediating inflammation, particularly in allergic reactions.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in asthma.

Airway Remodeling

Structural changes in the airway due to chronic inflammation, leading to airflow limitation.

Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

A common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids; also known as oral thrush.

Beta Receptors

Receptors in the lungs that corticosteroids can restore responsiveness to, increasing effectiveness of beta-agonist therapies.

Mechanism of Corticosteroids

Reduce inflammation by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory genes and increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory genes.

Beta-agonists

Bronchodilator medications that relax airway smooth muscles, used for quick relief or long-term control of asthma symptoms.

Leukotrienes

Potent inflammatory mediators released by mast cells and eosinophils that contribute to bronchoconstriction, mucus production, and airway inflammation in asthma.

Asthma

A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by reversible airflow obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Preventing Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

Rinse mouth thoroughly with water and spit after inhaling corticosteroids to reduce local deposition of medicine.

Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness

Increased sensitivity of the airways to various stimuli, leading to exaggerated bronchoconstriction in asthma patients.

Adrenal Insufficiency

A condition where the adrenal glands produce insufficient cortisol, often resulting from prolonged HPA suppression due to exogenous corticosteroid use.

Controller Medications (Asthma)

Long-term daily medications (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids) used to prevent asthma symptoms and exacerbations by reducing airway inflammation.

Reliever Medications (Asthma)

Short-acting medications (e.g., short-acting beta-agonists) used to quickly alleviate acute asthma symptoms like bronchospasm.