Drugs for Respiratory Emergencies

A common occurrence in the field, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds.

The most frequently used medication for prehospital treatment.

The use of oxygen in prehospital care has become more selective and individualized.

A condition characterized by inflammation and reversible airway obstruction.

A chronic lung disease causing airway narrowing, often due to smoking.

Medications used to open constricted airways and improve breathing.

A catheter inserted surgically into the trachea to provide long-term oxygen therapy.

An approach that prioritizes carefully administering medications to optimize outcomes.

Inflammation of the lining of the respiratory tract, causing swelling and narrowing of the airways.

The narrowing of airways caused by the contraction of smooth muscle in the bronchioles.

Medication that relaxes the smooth muscle lining of the airways, widening them to improve airflow.

Bronchodilators that specifically target the beta2 receptors in the airways, causing relaxation of smooth muscle.

Bronchodilators that can potentially activate other receptors in the body, leading to side effects like increased heart rate or blood pressure.

A sympathomimetic medication that targets beta2 receptors in the airways, relaxing smooth muscle.

A nonselective bronchodilator that affects alpha, beta1, and beta2 receptors.

The rapid narrowing of airways caused by a triggered reaction, leading to difficulty breathing.

Triggers that start an asthma attack can be internal (like exercise or stress) or external (like allergens like pollen, dust, or animal dander).

The primary goal when managing asthma is to prevent attacks by avoiding known triggers.

When an asthma attack occurs despite preventive measures, the goal is to quickly reverse the bronchospasm (tightening of airways).

Inhaled beta2-specific drugs are the first line of treatment for asthma attacks.

Albuterol is a common inhaled bronchodilator used to treat asthma attacks. It targets the beta2 receptor to relax airways.

Levalbuterol (Xopenex) is a purified form of albuterol, believed to have fewer side effects.

Inhaled asthma medications developed over the years have become more specific to the beta2 receptor, minimizing unwanted side effects.

Third generation inhaled asthma medications primarily target the beta2 receptor, providing more potent relief with minimal systemic effects.

A type of COPD characterized by the destruction of the air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to exhale air.

A type of COPD characterized by inflammation and excess mucus production in the airways, causing coughing and wheezing.

A condition in which a patient relies on low levels of oxygen in their blood to trigger breathing. Giving too much oxygen can suppress this natural drive and stop breathing.

To provide enough oxygen therapy to a COPD patient, maintaining oxygen saturation in the mid-90s is usually adequate. Too much oxygen can cause breathing to stop.

Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) is a medication used for severe asthma exacerbations or limited response to albuterol. It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, which helps relax airway muscles.

Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic, a type of medication that blocks the actions of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter.

In severe bronchospasm, ipratropium bromide combined with albuterol provides better symptom relief than albuterol alone.

Adrenergic agents like albuterol act more centrally in airways, while ipratropium bromide acts more peripherally.

Albuterol is more effective in asthma, while ipratropium bromide is more beneficial for patients with COPD.

Combivent is a combination product that combines the benefits of albuterol and ipratropium bromide for both central and peripheral airway relaxation.

Corticosteroids are a second-line therapy for acute asthma exacerbations and COPD, helping to manage the inflammatory processes involved.

Methylprednisolone and dexamethasone are commonly used corticosteroids for treating moderate to severe asthma and COPD symptoms.

Corticosteroids are considered when the PEFR (Peak Expiratory Flow Rate) doesn't improve by at least 10% after using bronchodilators, or if the PEFR remains below 70% after an hour of treatment.

Aminophylline and other methylxanthines were once a common second-line treatment for severe asthma exacerbations. Their role has significantly decreased, and they are not routinely recommended anymore.

Magnesium sulfate has been shown to reduce bronchospasm in some asthma patients who don't respond well to beta2 agonists. It should not be used universally for all asthma attacks, but considered in patients who don't improve after beta agonist therapy.

Epinephrine's strong beta2 effects are beneficial in asthma, but it also has undesirable alpha and beta1 effects, such as tachycardia (increased heart rate) and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Epinephrine's effects are short-lived, and rebound bronchospasm can be a problem. Therefore, epinephrine should be used with caution, if at all, in adults with asthma.

While epinephrine has strong beta2 effects that can be helpful, it also has significant alpha and beta1 effects, leading to complications like tachycardia and hypertension. These drawbacks limit its use in adult asthma.

Epinephrine remains a suitable option if an anaphylactic reaction is suspected.

Epinephrine's effects are short-lived, making it an inappropriate long-term solution for recurring asthma attacks.