318 Topic 6

What are Histamines?

Chemicals in the body that play a role in allergic reactions, stomach acid production, and immune responses.

What chemical is released when the body detects something harmful (like allergens), leading to inflammation, swelling, itching, and mucus production?

Histamines

What are Antihistamines?

Drugs that are used to counteract the effects of histamines (blockers)

What are the two types of Antihistamines?

H1 & H2

What are H1 blockers used for?

Treating allergies, hives, runny nose, and itching.

How do H1 blockers work?

Block histamines in the skin, nose, and airways

What are H2 blockers used for?

Reduce stomach (gastric) acid and treat ulcers or acid reflux

How do H2 blockers word?

By blocking histamine in the stomach

What are 2 obstructive lung diseases that are contraindications to diphenhydramine?

Acute asthma attack

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

What is photosensitivity?

Increased sensitivity to light, particularly ultraviolet radiation from the sun or artificial sources

What does an antitussive do?

Suppresses the cough reflex in the brain

What is an example of an antitussive?

cough medicine

True or False: Dextromethorphan (Robitussin) can cause adverse reactions

False

1 multiple choice option

What is the mechanism of action for Dextromethorphan?

Depresses cough center in medulla

What is the mechanism of action for Diphenhydramine?

Blocks muscarininc acetylcholine receptors in the brain and body

Why wouldn't you want to give Diphenhydramine to a pt presenting with an acute asthma attack or COPD?

This med drys out airways by thickening mucus

1 multiple choice option

What is an expectorant?

a medication that helps to loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear from the lungs

What is an antitussive used for?

Dry, irritating coughs that are not productive

Trachea (windpipe)

Main airway that connects the larynx to the bronchi. It allows air to pass into the lungs.

Bronchi

The two large airways that branch from the trachea into the left and right lungs.

Bronchioles

Smaller branches of the bronchi that spread throughout the lungs, further subdividing into smaller airways.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen enters the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide is expelled from the blood into the lungs to be exhaled.

Lungs

The pair of organs where bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli are located. They facilitate the process of breathing and gas exchange.

Restrictive Lung Disease

Lungs have trouble expanding fully, leading to reduced lung volume

What is the cause of Restrictive Lung Disease?

Stiff or damaged lung tissue or conditions affecting the chest wall, muscles, or nerves

What is the lung function in a pt with restrictive lung disease?

Decreased lung capacity, but normal or near norming airflow in the airways/

What is COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

Airways are narrowed or obstructed, making it difficult to exhale air fully

What is the cause of COPD

Chronic lung damage, often from smoking or long term exposure to irritants. Includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis

What is the lung function in a pt with COPD

Reduced airflow, difficulty exhaling, and hyperinflated lungs

What respiratory condition is this statement describing: The patient has difficulty inhaling a full breath, leading to reduces oxygen intake

Restrictive Lung Disease

What respiratory condition is this statement describing: The patient has trouble exhaling, leading to trapped air in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.

COPD

What is the difference between COPD and restrictive lung diseases?

Restrictive lung disease = inhale

COPD = exhale

What are some common causes of restrictive lung disease?

Pulmonary fibrosis, obesity, neuromuscular disease

What is angioedema?

swelling of the tongue and throat

What is anaphylaxis?

systemic, sometimes fatal reaction that involves airway obstruction and circulatory collapse

In what situation would you use albuterol instead of Tiotropium?

If the pt was experiencing anaphylactic shock

What is the class of albuterol?

beta 2 adrenergic agonist

What is the class on Tiotropium?

anticholinergic bronchodilator

What are some common side effects for albuterol?

muscle cramps, tremors, CNS effects

What class is dextromethorphan?

Antitussive

What class is diphenhydramine?

H1 antihistamine & anticholinergic

True or False: Tiotropium is a maintenance medication

True

What is the mechanism of action for Tiotropium?

Dilates bronchi by blocking muscarinic cholinergic receptors and blocks acetylcholine, relaxing smooth muscle and bronchi

What are some side effects to Tiotropium?

Urinary retention, insomnia, dizziness, joint pain, oral ulcerations

What is the class of Montelukast?

leukotriene receptor antagonist

What is Montelukast used for?

Chronic asthma management and allergic rhinitis

Also used for exercise induced bronchospasm

True or False: Montelukast should be used for acute asthma attacks

False

What should we teach our pt about the use of Montelukast before exercising?

Take 15-30 before exercise

What is the mechanism of action of Montelukast?

Binds with leukotriene receptors to block smooth muscle contractions and bronchoconstriction

After administration of Montelukast to children and adolescents, what should we monitor them for?

Agitation, nightmares, unusual behaviors

What are some CAMs of Diphenhydramine?

Valerian, kava, St. John's Wort

What can the following cause if taken with Diphenhydramine?

Valerian, kava, St. John's Wort

Increased CNS depression

What are some CAMs of Tiotropium?

Echinacea

What can echinacea cause if taken with tiotropium?

may cause an allergic reaction, especially in clients with a history of asthma or allergies

What are some CAMs of Dextromethorphan?

St. John's Word, grapefruit

What can the following cause if taken with Dextromethorphan?

St. John's Word, grapefruit

Increased metabolism and decreased effectiveness, inhibits metabolism and increases toxicity

What are some CAMs of Montelukast?

St. John's Wort, ginkgo biloba, kava

What can the following cause if taken with Montelukast?

St. John's Wort, ginkgo biloba, kava

Reduces effectivenss, may increase bleeding risk, may worsen neuropsychiatric effects

What are some CAMs of Albuterol?

Ginseng, caffeine

What can the following cause if taken with Albuterol?

Ginseng, caffeine

Increase nervousness, tremors, palpitations