Resp. #1

Asthma

A respiratory condition characterized by hyperresponsiveness of airways, bronchospasms, and inflammation caused by allergens.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, encompassing emphysema and chronic bronchitis, leading to airway obstruction and impaired gas exchange.

Bronchodilator

A medication that relaxes the muscles of the airways, leading to dilation and relief from bronchospasms.

Anti-inflammatory agent

Medications that reduce inflammation in the airways, like corticosteroids, to improve respiratory function.

Leukotriene Modifier

A type of medication that reduces the effects of leukotrienes, used for prevention and maintenance in asthma and COPD.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory medications used to suppress airway inflammation and manage symptoms of asthma and COPD.

Mast Cell Stabilizers

Non-steroidal agents that prevent the release of inflammatory substances from mast cells.

SABA

Short-Acting Beta Agonists, fast-acting bronchodilators such as Albuterol used for immediate relief of asthma symptoms.

LABA

Long-Acting Beta Agonists, used for long-term control of asthma and COPD, not for acute relief.

Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)

A device used to deliver a specific amount of medication to the lungs via inhalation.

Dry-Powder Inhaler (DPI)

A breath-activated device that delivers powdered medication directly to the lungs.

Nebulizer

A machine that converts liquid medication into mist for inhalation.

Cough Suppressant

Medications that inhibit the cough reflex to reduce the frequency and intensity of coughing.

Expectorant

Medications that stimulate mucus secretion, making cough more productive.

Mucolytic

A type of medication that reacts directly with mucus to make it less viscous and easier to expectorate.

Anti-histamine

Medication that blocks histamine receptors, used in allergy management.

Decongestant

Medications that relieve nasal congestion through vasoconstriction.

Adverse Effect (AE)

Any undesired actions or effects of a medication.

Drug Interaction (DI)

Changes in the effectiveness or side effects of a drug when taken with another substance.

Corticosteroid Adverse Effects

Potential side effects including hyperglycemia, immunosuppression, and adrenal suppression.

Dosing Schedule

The timetable for administering medication dosages.

Theophylline

A methylxanthine bronchodilator with narrow therapeutic index requiring serum levels monitoring.

Histamine

A chemical released during allergic reactions, causing bronchoconstriction and inflammation.

Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

A fungal infection in the mouth caused by corticosteroid use, often preventable by rinsing the mouth after use.

Systemic Corticosteroid

Oral or injectable corticosteroids used for short-term control of inflammatory conditions.

Tapering Dose

Gradually decreasing the dosage of a medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Allergic Rhinitis

An inflammatory condition of the nasal passages triggered by allergens.

Indications

Reasons for using a specific medication based on its therapeutic effects.

Contraindications

Conditions under which a medication should not be used.

Clinical Manifestations

Signs and symptoms observed in a patient with a specific medical condition.

Cough Management

Utilizing various medications to control or alleviate coughing.

Acute bronchospasms

Sudden tightening of the airway muscles leading to difficulty in breathing.

Chronic Asthma

A long-term respiratory condition characterized by chronic airway inflammation.

Long-term Control Medications

Medications taken regularly to manage chronic respiratory conditions.

Short-term Relief Medications

Medications used for immediate relief during acute exacerbations of respiratory conditions.

Oral Corticosteroids

Medications like prednisone used for treating acute exacerbations of asthma or COPD.

Nursing Implications

The needed actions and considerations for nurses in patient care regarding medication.

Patient Education

Information provided to patients to help them understand their condition and treatment.

Respiratory Distress

A state of breathing difficulty and discomfort in a patient requiring immediate medical attention.

Serum Levels Monitoring

Regular assessment of drug concentrations in the blood to ensure therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Adrenal Suppression

A condition caused by long-term use of corticosteroids, resulting in reduced natural steroid hormone production.

Inhalation

The act of breathing in medication to deliver treatment directly to the lungs.

CNS depression

A reduction in the activity of the central nervous system, often a risk with sedative medications.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels, decreasing blood flow and leading to reduced swelling in nasal passages.

Histamine Antagonist

A substance that blocks the action of histamine, commonly used in allergy treatments.

Prophylaxis

Preventative medication used to avert the onset of a medical condition.

Increased Permeability

An increase in the ability of substances to pass through blood vessel walls contributing to edema.

Thick Mucus Production

Excessive sticky mucus formation that obstructs breathing in conditions like asthma and COPD.

Palpitations

Irregular or rapid heartbeats often associated with certain bronchodilator medications.

Tachycardia

An abnormally high heart rate that may result from certain medications.

Hypoxemia

Low levels of oxygen in the blood, often observed in asthma and COPD.

Acid-base balance

The maintenance of the body's pH within a narrow range, often disrupted in respiratory diseases.

Cough Reflex

The involuntary act to clear the airways of mucus, foreign particles, or irritants.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

An antibody associated with allergic reactions that triggers mast cells to release histamine.

Dysphonia

Difficulty in speaking, often a side effect of inhaled corticosteroids.

Rinsing mouth (after inhalers)

A practice to minimize the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis after using inhaled corticosteroids.

Cromolyn

A mast cell stabilizer used to prevent bronchospasm in asthma management.

Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors sympathetic to adrenaline that mediate bronchial dilation when activated.

Peak Flow Meter

A device used to measure the peak expiratory flow rate in asthma management.

Respiratory Therapy

A treatment involving medications or techniques to enhance lung function and alleviate respiratory issues.

Airway Hyperresponsiveness

An exaggerated response of the airway to various stimuli characterizing asthma.

Lung Function Tests

Assessments that measure breathing capability, usually pivotal in diagnosing asthma and COPD.

Chronic inflammation

Persistent inflammation that leads to tissue damage in conditions like asthma and COPD.

Post-nasal drip

Mucus accumulation in the throat or back of the nose, often related to allergic rhinitis.

Cough Variant Asthma

A type of asthma primarily characterized by a cough rather than classic wheezing symptoms.

Respiratory Secretions

Mucus or fluid produced within the respiratory tract.

Ipratropium

An anticholinergic bronchodilator used for managing COPD.

Anticholinergic Effects

Side effects from anticholinergic medications, such as dry mouth, blurred vision.

Platelet Activation

The process by which platelets aggregate and promote clot formation, possibly disrupted in some respiratory conditions.

Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

A subjective feeling of not being able to get enough air.

Respiratory Care Plan

A structured plan outlining interventions and medications for a patient's respiratory management.

Respiratory Rate

The number of breaths taken per minute, vital for assessing respiratory function.

Pulmonary Edema

Fluid accumulation in the lungs causing difficulty breathing.

Intranasal Medication

Drugs administered through the nasal passages for local effects, like glucocorticoids.

Serum Potassium Levels

Important measurements when monitoring for side effects of corticoid therapy, as they may decrease.

Symptoms of Respiratory Distress

Signs indicating worsening respiratory function, requiring immediate medical intervention.

Nasal Congestion

Blockage of nasal passages due to inflammation, common in allergic reactions.

Nasal Irrigation

A cleansing technique used to relieve nasal congestion by rinsing the nasal passages.

Cough Reflex Suppression

The reduction in the cough reflex, often the aim of antitussive medications.

Respiratory Tract Infection

An infection that can affect the airways and lungs, leading to cough and other symptoms.

Expiratory Flow Rate

The rate at which air is expelled from the lungs, important in assessing lung function.

Respiratory Depression

A condition characterized by inadequate respiratory rate and depth.