Drugs and Respiratory System Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of bronchodilators?

To stimulate respiratory secretions

To relax bronchial smooth muscle (correct)

To liquefy bronchial mucus

To decrease mucosal edema

Which of the following is NOT a cause of asthma attacks?

Low humidity environments (correct)

Allergy to foreign proteins

Exercise in cold weather

Irritants like dust and pollutants

Ciliary depression affects the respiratory system by:

Impeding mucus clearance (correct)

Increasing production of bronchial mucus

Strengthening the cilia's movement

Enhancing clearance of pathogens

What is a common effect of expectorants on respiratory secretions?

They stimulate respiratory secretions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes xanthines?

A type of bronchodilator Signup and view all the answers

In which condition is mucus build-up likely to occur due to ciliary depression?

Asthma Signup and view all the answers

How do corticosteroids primarily function in treating respiratory issues?

By reducing inflammation Signup and view all the answers

Which condition involves shortness of breath and wheezing due to bronchiolar constriction?

Asthma Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of Alpha 1 receptors in the body?

Constricting blood vessels Signup and view all the answers

Where are Alpha 2 receptors primarily located?

Adrenergic terminals Signup and view all the answers

Which adrenergic receptor is associated with the heart and kidneys?

Beta 1 Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a location for Alpha 1 receptors?

Skeletal muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Alpha 2 receptors is correct?

They inhibit norepinephrine release. Signup and view all the answers

What is one immediate effect of histamine in the respiratory tract?

Bronchoconstriction Signup and view all the answers

What role do eosinophils play in asthma when recruited by ECF-A?

Contributing to chronic inflammation Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of leukotrienes being released in the respiratory tract?

Prolonged bronchoconstriction Signup and view all the answers

How does histamine contribute specifically to acute asthma symptoms?

By causing airway mucosal swelling Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the recruitment of eosinophils during allergic responses?

Eosinophilic Chemotactic Factor of Anaphylaxis Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of SRS-A on airway tissues?

Promotes swelling of airway lining Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of leukotriene action?

Decreased airway resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is a key outcome of the actions of ECF-A and eosinophils in asthma?

Sustained inflammatory reaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic appearance of patients referred to as 'Pink Puffers'?

Thinner with a puffed appearance Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the treatment goals for patients with COPD?

Decrease or abolish dyspnea Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of quick-relief medicines for shortness of breath?

To provide immediate relief from sudden shortness of breath Signup and view all the answers

What causes the irreversible lung damage seen in emphysema?

Smoking and hereditary factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA)?

Salbutamol - Ventolin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the bluish discoloration of skin seen as cyanosis?

Lack of O2 and increased CO2 Signup and view all the answers

Why do patients with emphysema struggle with air expiration?

Destruction of alveoli and loss of elasticity Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum duration of action for the long-acting beta-2 agonist Formoterol?

12 hours Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total energy do patients with emphysema expend just to breathe?

15-20% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which xanthine derivatives induce bronchodilation?

Inhibition of phosphodiesterase Signup and view all the answers

What class of medication is Ipratropium classified under?

Short-acting muscarinic antagonist Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of active ingredients is found in Symbicort?

Fluticasone + Formoterol Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about chronic bronchitis is true?

It is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Signup and view all the answers

Why are xanthine derivatives not commonly used for bronchodilation?

They require higher doses to reach effective therapeutic levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the therapeutic index of theophylline?

10–20 µg/mL Signup and view all the answers

How do the actions of Ipratropium and Albuterol complement each other in their combined use?

Ipratropium blocks acetylcholine while Albuterol relaxes airway muscles Signup and view all the answers

What type of therapy is often used as a treatment for COPD?

Respiratory exercises and medications Signup and view all the answers

How does smoking affect the clearance of theophylline?

It increases drug clearance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the duration of action for Spiriva?

Spiriva lasts for 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What side effect can occur with high doses of theophylline?

Seizures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary rationale for combining medications in a combination therapy like Combivent?

To address different pathways for bronchodilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the action of beta 2 receptors in the context of bronchodilation?

Promote relaxation of smooth muscle. Signup and view all the answers

In patients with liver disease, what change occurs in the clearance of xanthine derivatives?

Decreased clearance occurs. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological effect do beta 1 receptors have?

Increase heart rate and contraction strength. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Drugs and the Respiratory System

Bronchodilators are drugs that relax bronchial smooth muscles and dilate the lower respiratory passages, improving airflow.
Chemical mediators such as histamine, ECF-A, and SRS-A are involved in asthma.
Asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by bronchoconstriction and shortness of breath (dyspnea), wheezing.

Types of Respiratory Conditions

Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the respiratory system.
COPD is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, often caused by emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Emphysema is a progressive lung disease destroying the alveolar sacs, leading to reduced gas exchange and difficulty breathing.
Chronic bronchitis is a respiratory condition due to chronic irritation, causing mucus hypersecretion and respiratory lining degeneration.
Asthma attacks can be caused by irritants, exercise, respiratory infections, or foreign protein allergies.

Chemical Mediators in Asthma

Prostaglandins are a series of chemical mediators released from body cells, often involved in disease processes.
Histamine interacts with tissues, mainly causing allergic symptoms.
ECF-A is an eosinophilic chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis released by mast cells and attracts eosinophils to injury sites.
SRS-A is a slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis, a prostaglandin derivative and a potent bronchoconstrictor in asthma.
Leukotrienes are formed from arachidonic acid and participates in inflammatory reactions, including acting as a slow-reacting substance in anaphylaxis.

Asthma Therapy

Aims to reduce or stop chemical mediators to treat the condition.
Common drugs include bronchodilators, corticosteroids, anti-allergics, and leukotriene receptor antagonists.

COPD Therapy

Drug therapy provides some relief (e.g., decreasing shortness of breath (dyspnea)), but cannot reverse the physical damage to the respiratory lining.
Goals include decreasing symptoms, improving quality of life, and reducing exacerbations.
Additional interventions include smoking cessation, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Chronic Bronchitis

Commonly referred to as "blue bloaters" due to cyanosis (bluish discolouration of the skin).
Chronic irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Mucoid secretions obstruct the airways.
Deficiency of oxygen (O2) and elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels lead to cyanosis.

Emphysema

Also known as "pink puffers" due to their thinner builds and ability to maintain oxygenation despite difficulty breathing.
Damage to the alveolar walls causes permanent enlargement of air sacs.
Lung tissue loses elasticity, resulting in difficulty exhaling.
Commonly attributed to smoking and hereditary factors.

Bronchodilators

Open the airways, making breathing easier.
Two main classes: Beta-2 agonists and Anticholinergics.

Other Therapies

Mucolytics, such as N-acetylcysteine, break down mucus in the bronchioles.
Expectorants, such as guaifenesin, encourage mucus production and expulsion to make cilia work effectively and alleviate cough.

Combination Therapies

Combining different classes of bronchodilators (e.g., beta-2 agonist plus anticholinergic) may provide better symptom control in chronic conditions.
Examples of combination therapies used include Combivent, Duaklir, Ultibro, Symbicort, and Advair.

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Description

Test your knowledge on bronchodilators, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. This quiz covers key concepts related to the effects of chemical mediators and the types of respiratory diseases like COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Enhance your understanding of the respiratory system and its related pharmacology.