Asthma and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to asthma and obstructive sleep apnea including definitions, classifications, management, and critical signs and symptoms.

Asthma

A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by reversible airflow obstruction.

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)

A measurement indicating how quickly air can be expelled from the lungs, used to monitor asthma.

Bronchospasm

A sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchi, causing narrowing of the airways.

Asthma Triggers

Factors that can provoke asthma symptoms; these include environmental allergens and internal factors like exercise.

Inhaled Corticosteroids

First-line daily medication used to reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma attacks.

Accessory Muscles

Muscles that assist in breathing; their use can indicate respiratory distress in asthma patients.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin indicating lack of oxygen, a sign of severe asthma exacerbation.

Early Phase Response

The immediate reaction to asthma triggers leading to bronchospasm and airway narrowing.

Late Phase Response

A delayed inflammatory response that occurs 4-6 hours after initial exposure to triggers.

Asthma Action Plan

A personalized plan based on peak flow zones detailing medications and when to seek help.

Polysomnography

A sleep study used in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

A common treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea that maintains upper airway patency.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

A sleep disorder characterized by partial or complete airway obstruction during sleep.

Leukotriene Modifiers

Oral medications that block substances that can cause bronchoconstriction and inflammation in asthma.

Peak Flow Meter

A handheld device used to measure how hard a person can breathe out, helping to monitor asthma status.

Asthma Classifications

Categories of asthma severity based on frequency and intensity of symptoms, including Intermittent and Severe Persistent.

Hypoxemia

A condition characterized by low oxygen levels in the blood, which can occur due to obstructive sleep apnea.

Patient Education

Important aspect of asthma care focusing on medication adherence and trigger avoidance.