Medication Therapy for the Respiratory System and Infections

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to medication therapy for the respiratory system, infections, and related treatments.

Asthma

Recurrent and reversible shortness of breath due to narrowing of the bronchi and bronchioles, characterized by inflammation, smooth muscle spasticity, and sputum production.

Status asthmaticus

A prolonged asthma attack that is a medical emergency.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A chronic lung disorder characterized by persistent airflow obstruction that is partially reversible.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI)

Most common URTI are viral infections which include the common cold, acute rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis.

Histamine

A compound that causes dilation of blood vessels, contraction of smooth muscles, and stimulation of gastric acid secretions.

Antihistamines

Drugs that block the release or action of histamine, used to treat allergies and respiratory conditions.

Drowsiness

A common adverse effect of antihistamines, making them used sometimes as sleeping aids.

Bronchodilators

Medications that dilate airways or bronchioles, often used in the treatment of asthma and COPD.

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (LTRAs)

Drugs that prevent leukotrienes from binding to their receptors, indicating they are used for asthma maintenance and treatment.

Expectorants

Agents that aid in the expectoration of mucus by reducing its viscosity, found in cold and cough preparations.

Antitussives

Drugs used to prevent coughing, particularly nonproductive coughs.

Decongestants

Medications that relieve nasal congestion by causing vasoconstriction and reducing blood flow to the membranes of the nasal passage.

Antibiotics

Drugs used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, with classifications including bactericidal and bacteriostatic.

Bacterial Resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic, making the infection harder to treat.

Multi-drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB)

TB that is resistant to both isoniazid and rifampin.

Rifampin

An antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, known for causing body fluids to turn reddish-orange.

Phosphodiesterase Type 4 Inhibitor

A medication that inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase, decreasing inflammation in the lungs.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Biological agents that reduce the amount of IgE available to trigger allergic responses.

Antivirals

Medications used to treat infections caused by viruses, working by inhibiting the replication of viruses.