Allergy and Respiratory System Drug Therapy

Detailed vocabulary flashcards covering respiratory structures, diseases like COPD and asthma, histamine receptor types, and various classes of respiratory and allergy medications.

Beta-2 receptors

Receptors in the respiratory passages that, when stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system, cause bronchodilation.

Muscarinic receptors

Receptors in the respiratory passages that, when stimulated by the parasympathetic nervous system, cause bronchoconstriction.

Chronic bronchitis

A form of COPD characterized by chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract, thickened mucous secretions, and a chronic productive cough.

Emphysema

A respiratory disease involving the destruction of alveoli and enlargement of air spaces, causing expiratory air to become trapped and reducing gas exchange.

Asthma

A condition involving reversible airway obstruction caused by inflammation of the bronchioles, mucosal edema, and increased mucus production.

$H-1$ Receptors

Histamine receptors associated with allergies; located in blood vessels, bronchial smooth muscles, intestinal smooth muscles, and the CNS.

$H-2$ Receptors

Histamine receptors associated with GI issues; located in the stomach, heart, uterine tissue, and blood vessels.

$H-3$ and $H-4$ Receptors

Histamine receptors associated with pain and inflammation; $H-3$ is found in neurons/presynaptic brain areas, while $H-4$ is found on White Blood Cells ($WBCs$).

Cephalgia

Headache caused by the vasodilation of cerebral blood vessels during an allergic reaction.

Erythema

Reddening of the skin caused by capillary dilation during an allergic reaction.

Antiallergics (Mast Cell Stabilizers)

Drugs that inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells; used as prophylaxis for chronic allergic rhinitis and to prevent asthma attacks.

Antihistamines (Generation I)

Sedating drugs, such as $Diphenhydramine\text{ }HCl$ ($Benadryl$), that block histamine from $H-1$ receptors.

Antihistamines (Generation II)

Non-sedating drugs, such as $Cetirizine\text{ }HCl$ ($Zyrtec$), used to block histamine from $H-1$ receptors.

Xerostomia

Dry mouth; a common side effect of both Generation I and Generation II antihistamines.

Urticaria

Hives; one of the conditions treated with antihistamines.

Beta-2 adrenergic agonists

Sympathomimetic bronchodilators that stimulate $\beta-2$ receptors; side effects include tachycardia, palpitations, and tremors.

Xanthine derivatives

Bronchodilators that increase cyclic $AMP$ to treat COPD and asthma; they have a narrow therapeutic index ($TI$) and require lab monitoring.

Anticholinergics

Bronchodilators that block muscarinic receptors and the action of $ACH$; commonly used for COPD, asthma, and URI.

Cysteinyl Leukotriene Receptor Inhibitor

Anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibit the formation of leukotrienes to treat asthma, COPD, and bronchitis; side effects include headache and nausea.

Corticosteroids (Inhaled/Nasal)

Drugs used to inhibit the inflammatory response; patients are taught to rinse their mouth after inhaler use to prevent thrush.

Expectorants

Drugs, such as $Guaifenesin$ ($Mucinex$), that increase respiratory secretions and lubricate/liquefy mucus to relieve chest congestion.

Mucolytics

Agents like $Acetylcysteine$ used to liquefy bronchial secretions; they may cause bronchospasm and are usually combined with a bronchodilator.

Antitussives

Drugs that suppress coughing by preventing the cough center in the brain from being stimulated; available in narcotic and non-narcotic forms.

Decongestants

Vasoconstrictors that stimulate $\text{alpha-1}$ receptors to decrease nasal stuffiness; they are contraindicated in patients with hypertension ($HTN$).