Drugs for Respiratory Emergencies

A condition that causes inflammation of the respiratory tract, leading to a narrowing of the airways.

A type of medication used to open up constricted airways by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.

A drug that selectively targets beta2 receptors in the lungs to relax bronchial smooth muscle, relieving bronchospasm.

A medication that affects both beta2 receptors in the lungs and other receptors in the body, such as beta1 receptors in the heart, causing both bronchodilation and potential side effects.

A narrowing of the airways caused by spasms in the smooth muscle of the bronchi.

Swelling of the lining of the respiratory tract, also contributing to airway narrowing.

An increase in secretions within the respiratory tract, further contributing to airway narrowing in asthma.

A specific example of a non-selective bronchodilator that acts on both beta2 and other receptors.

Oxygen is a medication frequently used in emergency situations to treat respiratory distress; however, like any medication, it comes with risks and benefits.

Oxygen therapy is now carefully monitored and adjusted to maintain prescribed oxygen saturation ranges, rather than being applied indiscriminately, especially in cases like neonatal resuscitation, COPD exacerbations, and acute coronary syndrome.

Bronchodilators are a type of medication that helps to relax and widen the airways in cases of asthma and COPD, thereby improving breathing.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes reversible airway obstruction, often triggered by inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease marked by airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible. It is characterized by persistent airflow limitation.

Transtracheal catheters are small tubes surgically inserted directly into the trachea (windpipe) to deliver continuous oxygen to patients with chronic lung disease who need long-term oxygen therapy.

Transtracheal catheters are often preferred to nasal cannulas by patients at night, as nasal cannulas can become irritating during prolonged use.

Prehospital healthcare providers must be prepared for potential changes in oxygen delivery guidelines as research continues and updates are made.

Substances that trigger asthma attacks. They can be internal (like exercise or stress) or external (like pollen or dust).

A common inhaled medication used to treat reversible bronchospasm in asthma. It targets the beta2 receptor in the lungs, relaxing the muscles and opening airways.

A newer, purified version of albuterol aimed at minimizing unwanted side effects. It's more selective to the beta2 receptor.

A category of medications that primarily target the beta2 receptor, leading to more specific relief with fewer adverse effects.

The process of managing asthma by identifying and avoiding triggers, and using medications to control symptoms.

A condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, like in asthma.

A reaction to substances like dust, pollen, or animal dander, which often triggers asthma attacks.

A group of lung diseases that cause airflow obstruction, making it difficult to breathe.

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main types of COPD.

Increased mucus production and airway narrowing (bronchospasm) are hallmark symptoms of COPD.

COPD patients rely on a slightly low oxygen level (hypoxia) to trigger their breathing. Providing too much oxygen can disrupt this.

Bronchodilators and steroids are used to manage COPD exacerbations.

Corticosteroids may be necessary when the PEFR doesn't improve by at least 10% after bronchodilator therapy or when the PEFR is less than 70% after 1 hour of treatment.

Methylxanthines like aminophylline used to be common for severe asthma attacks, but their role has decreased significantly and they are no longer standard treatment.

Magnesium sulfate can help reduce bronchospasm in some asthma patients who don't respond well to beta2 agonists.

Epinephrine, while helpful for immediate relief, can cause rebound bronchospasm and has undesirable cardiovascular effects.

Epinephrine's beta2 effects are beneficial for asthma, but its alpha and beta1 effects can lead to complications like tachycardia and hypertension.

Epinephrine's use for asthma in adults should be cautious due to the risk of heart complications, making it more suitable for anaphylactic reactions.

When a patient abruptly stops taking corticosteroids, they may experience a sudden drop in their cortisol levels, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition.

The use of epinephrine can lead to temporary worsening of bronchospasm after the initial relief, creating a rebound effect.

Ipratropium bromide is used to treat asthma or COPD exacerbations, especially when patients have limited response to albuterol.

Ipratropium bromide works by blocking acetylcholine in the airways. This helps to relax the muscles and open up the airways. It's an anticholinergic.

Ipratropium bromide is more effective in the peripheral airways, while adrenergic agents like albuterol act more centrally in the bronchial tree.

Ipratropium bromide is often combined with albuterol (Combivent) to treat both central and peripheral airways.

Corticosteroids (like methylprednisolone or dexamethasone) can be used to treat the inflammation involved in asthma and COPD exacerbations. These are usually given in cases with prolonged transport time.

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measures the maximum speed of air expelled from the lungs. This helps determine the severity of an exacerbation, the patient's response to therapy, and whether steroids should be started.

If the initial PEFR is less than 50% of the predicted value, corticosteroids should be administered after ipratropium bromide.

Dexamethasone, given in a single dose, is sometimes preferred over longer oral courses of other corticosteroids to ensure patient compliance.