RESPIRATORY-PCOL

Asthma

An inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by bronchoconstriction, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Bronchoconstriction

Narrowing of the airways leading to difficulty in breathing.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory drugs used as first-line treatment for asthma.

B2 Agonists

Medications that relax bronchial smooth muscle, used in the treatment of asthma.

Goals of Therapy in Asthma

Reduce impairment and risk by managing symptoms and preventing exacerbations.

Heterotrimer

A complex of G protein consisting of three different subunits that dissociates upon receptor activation.

cAMP

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate, a molecule that mediates various biological responses.

Mast Cells

Immune cells that release inflammatory mediators such as histamine during an allergic response.

Eosinophils

A type of white blood cell involved in the inflammatory response in asthma.

IL-5

Interleukin 5, a cytokine that stimulates eosinophil production.

Goblet Cells

Specialized epithelial cells that secrete mucus in the respiratory tract.

Hypomagnesemia

Abnormally low levels of magnesium in the blood, can be caused by beta-2 agonists.

Tachycardia

Increased heart rate, can be a side effect of beta-2 agonists.

Short Acting β2 Agonists (SABA)

Quick-relief medications for acute asthma symptoms.

Long Acting β2 Agonists (LABA)

Medications used for long-term control of asthma symptoms.

Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS)

First choice treatment for persistent asthma to reduce inflammation.

Bronchospasm

Involuntary contraction of the bronchial muscles, leading to airway narrowing.

Leukotrienes

Inflammatory mediators that can cause bronchoconstriction and increased mucus production.

Cholinergic Antagonists

Medications that inhibit vagally mediated airway smooth muscle contraction.

Theophylline

A bronchodilator that can also act as a stimulant and diuretic.

Omalizumab

A monoclonal antibody that targets IgE and reduces allergic asthma symptoms.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A chronic inflammatory lung disease that obstructs airflow and makes breathing difficult.

Cigarette Smoke

A common irritant that triggers inflammatory responses in the lungs.

Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs)

Molecules released by damaged cells that alert the immune system to injury.

Spirometry

A test used to measure lung function, including FEV1 and FVC.

GOLD Criteria

Guidelines for diagnosing and classifying COPD based on lung function.

FEV1/FVC Ratio

A ratio used to determine the presence of airflow obstruction.

Type 1 Hypersensitivity

An allergic reaction mediated by IgE antibodies and mast cells.

Antihistamines

Medications that block the effects of histamine, relieving allergy symptoms.

Alpha Adrenergic Agonists

Drugs that mimic norepinephrine and cause vasoconstriction, used for nasal decongestion.

Cromolyn

A mast cell stabilizer used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Montelukast

A leukotriene receptor antagonist used for asthma control.

Higher Dose Effects

Increased risk of side effects with systemic delivery of asthma medications.

Histamine

A chemical released during allergic reactions causing symptoms like itching and swelling.

Acute Anaphylaxis

A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction requiring immediate treatment.

Status Asthmaticus

A severe asthma exacerbation that does not respond to standard treatments.

Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor

A receptor that, when stimulated, causes bronchodilation in the airways.

SABA Examples

Albuterol, Metaproterenol, Terbutaline, and Pirbuterol.

LABA Examples

Salmeterol, Formoterol, Indacaterol, and Bambuterol.

Inhaled Corticosteroid Examples

Beclomethasone, Budesonide, Fluticasone.

Long Acting Muscarinic Antagonist (LAMA)

Drugs that block muscarinic receptors to prevent bronchoconstriction.

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX)

An enzyme involved in the production of leukotrienes from arachidonic acid.

IgE

Immunoglobulin E, an antibody that plays a crucial role in allergic reactions.

Dendritic Cell (DC)

An antigen-presenting cell that activates T cells in the immune response.

Mast Cell Stabilizer Examples

Cromolyn and Nedocromil.

Prostaglandins

Inflammatory mediators released by mast cells that cause vasodilation and other effects.

Calmodulin

A calcium-binding messenger protein that mediates various cellular processes.

Prednisone

An oral corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation during asthma exacerbations.

Oral Corticosteroids

Steroids taken by mouth to manage severe asthma or COPD.

Cytokines

Cell signaling molecules that mediate inflammation and allergic responses.

Churg-Strauss Syndrome

A rare condition associated with worsening asthma during reduced steroid use.

Inflammation

The body's response to injury or infection; can lead to swelling and tissue damage.

Type 2 Helper T Cells (TH2 Cells)

A subtype of T cells that play a key role in allergic responses and asthma.

Airway Inflammation

Swelling and irritation of the airway, a major feature of asthma.

Mucus Production

The formation of mucus, which can obstruct air passages in asthma.

T-lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell that is crucial in the immune response.

Plasma Cell

An activated B cell that produces antibodies.

Chronic Bronchitis

A type of COPD characterized by chronic cough and mucus production.

Emphysema

A type of COPD that involves the destruction of alveolar walls.

Intermittent Asthma

A form of asthma with symptoms less than twice a week.

Persistent Asthma

Asthma symptoms occurring more frequently, requiring ongoing medication.

Corticosteroid Mechanism of Action

Activates glucocorticoid receptors to inhibit inflammatory mediator production.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

A side effect of anticholinergic medications that decreases saliva production.

Bronchodilation

Widening of the air passages leading to improved airflow.

Respiratory Tract Irritants

Substances like smoke or allergens that can trigger an asthma attack.

Hyperinflation

Excessive air in the lungs due to airway obstruction during asthma.

Cough Reflex Mechanism

A protective mechanism triggered by irritants detected by cough receptors.

Dexamethasone

A potent synthetic glucocorticoid used for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Respiratory System Functions

Includes gas exchange, regulating pH, and protecting against pathogens.

Mucosal Edema

Swelling of the mucous membranes in the airways, contributing to obstruction.

Arachidonic Acid Metabolism

The biochemical pathway that leads to the formation of leukotrienes from arachidonic acid.

Histamine Release

The process during an allergic reaction where histamine is released from mast cells.

Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI)

Devices that deliver medication to the lungs in powdered form.

Nebulizers

Devices that convert liquid medication into mist for inhalation.

Vagal Tone

The activity of the vagus nerve, which can influence airway constriction.

Airway Reactivity

The sensitivity of the airways to various stimuli that can cause bronchospasm.

Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

Drugs that increase cAMP levels, leading to bronchodilation.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in the contraction of airway smooth muscles.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Role

Plays a central role in mediating allergic reactions and asthma.

Airway Remodeling

Structural changes to the airways that occur due to chronic inflammation.

Systemic Effects of Inhaled Drugs

Potential side effects that occur when drugs are delivered via inhalation.

Therapeutic Window

The range of drug doses that produces therapeutic effects without causing toxicity.

Peak Flow Meters

Devices that measure peak expiratory flow rate, assessing lung function.