Asthma and Its Treatments

Questions and Answers

What is the primary duration of action for long-acting Beta2 agonists (LABA)?

5-7 hours

8-12 hours (correct)

12-16 hours

3-5 hours

Which of the following is NOT a side effect of Beta2 agonists?

Tachycardia

Hypokalemia

Tremor

Dizziness (correct)

In what manner are long-acting Beta2 agonists usually administered?

Regularly, twice daily (correct)

Once a week

As needed for symptom relief

Four times a day

Which of these medication examples is a long-acting Beta2 agonist?

Salmeterol Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical dosing frequency for long-acting Beta2 agonists?

Twice daily Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of methylxanthines in treating bronchial spasm?

Inhibition of phosphodiesterase isoenzymes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common side effect associated with methylxanthines?

Seizures at concentrations >40 mg/L Signup and view all the answers

Which methylxanthine is specifically indicated for intravenous administration?

Aminophylline Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the inhibition of PDE III and PDE IV have on cAMP and cGMP levels?

Increase in both cAMP and cGMP Signup and view all the answers

Anorexia, headache, and abdominal discomfort are all potential side effects of which medication class?

Methylxanthines Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an asthmatic airway during an attack?

Tightened smooth muscle with air trapped in alveoli Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT classified as an anti-inflammatory drug used for asthma relief?

Salbutamol Signup and view all the answers

Which medication class includes both Theophylline and Aminophylline?

Methylxanthines Signup and view all the answers

Among the following, which drug is classified as an anticholinergic used in asthma treatment?

Ipratropium bromide Signup and view all the answers

Asthma is characterized by which type of airway obstruction?

Recurrent and reversible Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do selective beta 2 agonists use to relax bronchial smooth muscle?

By activating adenyl cyclase to increase cyclic AMP Signup and view all the answers

What effect do selective beta 2 agonists have on ciliary action?

They increase mucus clearance by enhancing ciliary action Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics describes beta 2 adrenergic agonists?

They can be both short-acting and long-acting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of increased cyclic AMP levels in bronchial smooth muscle?

Inhibition of bronchoconstriction Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes selective beta 2 agonists from non-selective beta agonists?

Selective beta 2 agonists promote selective bronchodilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary route of administration for β2-adrenoceptor agonists?

Inhalation of aerosol, powder, or nebulized solution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes short-acting β2 agonists (SABA)?

They are primarily inhaled medications for acute asthma relief. Signup and view all the answers

How frequently should SABA be used for symptomatic relief?

4-6 times a day as needed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a short-acting β2 agonist (SABA)?

Salbutamol Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about β2-adrenoceptor agonists is incorrect?

They are used primarily for chronic asthma management. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of anticholinergic agents like Ipratropium Bromide?

Blocking M3 receptors in the lungs Signup and view all the answers

Which side effect is NOT commonly associated with anticholinergic agents?

Increased appetite Signup and view all the answers

Corticosteroids contribute to asthma management by primarily doing what?

Decreasing bronchial hyperactivity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of action for corticosteroids in asthma treatment?

Promoting inflammatory mediator formation Signup and view all the answers

In asthma treatment, why are anticholinergic agents used alongside LABA?

To enhance the effectiveness of beta-2 agonists Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids?

Pharyngeal irritation Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is classified as a leukotriene receptor antagonist?

Zafirlukast Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is a leukotriene inhibitor particularly useful?

For patients unable to use inhalers Signup and view all the answers

Inhaled corticosteroids are considered effective because they:

Are administered in low doses Signup and view all the answers

Which side effect is associated with leukotriene inhibitors?

Insomnia Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Asthma Overview

Recurrent, reversible airway obstruction caused by bronchoconstriction and increased bronchial secretions.

Drugs for Asthma Relief

Bronchodilators: Expand airways to alleviate symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory drugs: Reduce inflammation in airways.

Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Corticosteroids:
- Hydrocortisone
- Beclomethasone
Leukotriene antagonists:
- Montelukast

Bronchodilators

β₂-agonists:
- Salbutamol and Terbutaline for short-acting relief.
Anticholinergic drugs:
- Ipratropium bromide, effective in preventing bronchoconstriction.
Methylxanthines:
- Theophylline and Aminophylline relieve bronchial spasm.

Airway Conditions

Condition	Description
Normal Airway	Relaxed smooth muscle
Asthmatic Airway	Inflamed and thickened
Asthmatic During Attack	Tightened smooth muscle; air trapped

Selective Beta 2 Agonist Mechanism

Direct Action: Activates adenyl cyclase → increases cyclic AMP → relaxes bronchial smooth muscle.
Mucus Clearance: Enhances action on cilia for improved mucus clearance.

Beta 2 Adrenergic Agonist Types

Selective and Non-selective: Varying affinities for β-adrenoceptors.
Short-acting (SABA):
- Quick relief, up to 4-6 times daily (e.g., Salbutamol, Terbutaline).
Long-acting (LABA):
- Administered twice daily; lasts 8-12 hours (e.g., Salmeterol, Formoterol).

Side Effects of β2 Agonists

Common: Tachycardia, tremors, tolerance, hypokalemia.

Methylxanthines

Mechanism: Inhibition of phosphodiesterase increases cAMP/cGMP, leading to bronchodilation.
Commonly used for severe asthma.
Side Effects: Anorexia, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, anxiety, seizures/arrhythmias at high concentrations.

Anticholinergic Agents

Example: Ipratropium Bromide.
Mechanism: Blocks M3 receptors to prevent cholinergic bronchoconstriction.
Side Effects: Dry mouth, gastrointestinal distress, headache, coughing, anxiety.

Corticosteroids

Use: Decrease bronchial hyperactivity, increase airway caliber, reduce attack frequency.
Mechanism: Stabilize cell membranes, inhibit inflammatory mediators, restore β2-receptor sensitivity.
Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS):
- e.g., Beclomethasone; significant in managing chronic asthma.
Side Effects: Pharyngeal irritation, coughing, dry mouth, oral fungal infections. Systemic effects are rare due to low doses.

Leukotriene Inhibitors

Types:
- 5-Lipooxygenase inhibitor (Zileuton).
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists (Montelukast, Zafirlukast).
Use: For long-term control of asthma, especially in patients unable to use inhalers.
Side Effects: Insomnia, irritability.

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Description

This quiz explores the nature of asthma, focusing on the causes and the various drugs used for relief, including bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications. Test your knowledge on corticosteroids, leukotriene antagonists, and other treatments. Understand how these medications work to alleviate asthma symptoms.