Asthma Pharmacological Treatment

These flashcards cover key concepts, facts, and treatment protocols related to asthma pharmacological treatment.

What percentage of the Australian population has asthma?

11%

What is the leading cause of disease burden in children aged 1-9 years old?

Asthma.

How many emergency department visits are made for asthma in Australia each day?

150+

What was the total number of asthma deaths in Australia in 2023?

474 deaths.

What characterizes bronchial asthma?

Recurrent reversible airway obstruction leading to wheezing, cough, and difficulty in exhaling.

What can increase airway resistance in asthma?

Smooth muscle contraction, excess mucus secretion, and airway wall swelling.

What is the FEV1?

Forced expiratory volume in 1 second.

What types of asthma exist?

Childhood asthma, adult-onset asthma, and atopic asthma.

Name one trigger for asthma.

Pollution, cold air, exercise, allergens (dust mites, pollen), or NSAIDs.

Describe the early phase of asthma.

Immediate response to allergen or non-specific stimulus involving bronchospasm.

What happens during the late phase of asthma?

Infiltration of cytokine-releasing Th2 cells and activation of inflammatory cells.

Which receptors are present in airway smooth muscle?

Beta-2 adrenergic receptors and muscarinic receptors.

How does asthma usually respond during viral infections?

Symptoms often worsen.

What are the long-term aims of asthma management?

Minimising symptoms, maximising lung function, and preventing permanent lung damage.

What are the main classes of medication for asthma treatment?

Bronchodilators, symptom controllers, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

What is the mechanism of action of beta-adrenergic agonists?

They dilate bronchial smooth muscle and inhibit release of inflammatory mediators.

Name a common short-acting beta-adrenergic agonist.

Salbutamol.

What are the side effects of beta-adrenergic agonists?

Tremor and tachycardia.

What is the role of muscarinic receptor antagonists in asthma?

They antagonise bronchial constriction caused by parasympathetic stimulation.

What is the main mechanism of action of Theophylline?

Inhibits phosphodiesterase, leading to increased cAMP and bronchodilation.

What are common side effects associated with Theophylline?

CNS stimulation, gastrointestinal symptoms, and cardiac arrhythmias.

What are glucocorticoids primarily used for in asthma treatment?

To reduce inflammation, not for bronchodilation.

What is a major side effect of inhaled glucocorticoids?

Oral thrush and hoarseness.

What type of combination is effective in asthma management?

LABA + inhaled glucocorticoid.

What is the role of leukotriene receptor antagonists?

To relax bronchial smooth muscle and block antigen-induced asthma.

Describe one side effect of leukotriene receptor antagonists.

Gastrointestinal issues or headache.

What is allergen immunotherapy?

Increasing doses of an allergen are used to decrease sensitivity to that allergen.

What severe adverse effect can occur with allergen immunotherapy?

Anaphylaxis.

What percentage of patients with asthma may require biologic therapy?

5-10%.

What type of antibody is Omalizumab?

Monoclonal antibody targeted against IgE.

What is an example of a biologic used for eosinophilic asthma?

Mepolizumab.

What is the role of cytokine modulators in asthma treatment?

To inhibit cytokine synthesis and block cytokine receptor actions.

What is one common method of treatment for severe acute asthma?

Salbutamol by nebuliser or IV.

What is a critical component to include in an asthma action plan?

Always carry a reliever medication.

List two main goals of an asthma action plan.

Control symptoms and provide instructions for worsening symptoms.

What is the significance of Theophylline levels in patients?

Need for individual monitoring due to a poor therapeutic index.