Respiratory Pharmacology Quiz

Beta-agonists relax the smooth muscles of the airway by promoting bronchodilation. This process increases airflow and eases breathing.

Beta-agonists reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of mediators from mast cells. This limits airway swelling and inflammation.

Beta-agonists enhance the movement of mucus out of the airways by increasing ciliary activity. This helps to clear the airway of irritants and mucus.

Beta-agonists increase the formation of intracellular cAMP. This activation leads to smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation.

The best route of administration for Beta-agonists is the one that delivers the highest concentration of the medication to the airway muscles.

Drugs that reduce inflammation in the airways, but do not cure the underlying cause of the disease.

A class of anti-inflammatory agents that are powerful but have potential side effects and should be used in conjunction with other medications like bronchodilators.

Drugs that help open up constricted airways, making it easier to breathe.

A type of bronchodilator that mimics the effects of adrenaline, promoting relaxation of airway muscles and improving breathing.

Medications that help control inflammation by blocking the action of leukotrienes, which are chemicals that contribute to airway inflammation.

Important non-medication strategies for managing asthma, including taking medication as prescribed, understanding your symptoms, and implementing preventive measures.

These strategies aim to prevent asthma attacks before they occur, such as avoiding triggers and taking medication regularly.

β2-selective agonists are a mixture of S and R isomers. The R-isomer activates the receptor while the S-isomer promotes inflammation.

New generation β2-selective agonists are partial agonists, meaning they only partially activate the receptor, while the older generations were full agonists.

These medications are potent and have a long duration of action, lasting up to 12 hours, due to their high lipid solubility and small size, which allow them to dissolve in the cell membrane.

They are not recommended as monotherapy because they have no anti-inflammatory properties.

Methylxanthines are a group of plant alkaloids that include theophylline, theobromine, and caffeine.

Theophylline is a methylxanthine that has proven efficacy as a bronchodilator in the management of asthma. It was previously a first-line treatment but is now relegated due to its narrow therapeutic window, requiring frequent monitoring.

Methylxanthines like theophylline are bronchodilators, meaning they help to widen the airways, making it easier to breath.

Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that there is a small difference between the dose that is effective and the dose that is toxic.

Anticholinergics are a group of drugs that block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates muscle contraction, by binding to muscarinic receptors, specifically M3 receptors, and inhibiting their function. They work by relaxing airway smooth muscle to widen airways and decrease mucus secretion, easing breathing.

Ipratropium bromide and tiotropium bromide are examples of inhaled anticholinergics commonly used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The bronchodilation effect of anticholinergics tends to develop more slowly compared to beta-agonists and often has a less pronounced effect.

Anticholinergics are particularly beneficial for patients with asthma who experience a significant increase in airway resistance due to heightened mucus production.

The bronchodilator effect of anticholinergics is typically less intense than the effect of beta-adrenergic agonists, making them a suitable choice for patients with COPD.

A severe allergic reaction that causes swelling, especially in the face, mouth, and airway, making it difficult to breathe.

Swelling in the throat, which can block airflow and make breathing difficult.

A persistent cough that often signals respiratory irritation or inflammation in the airways.

An inflammatory condition that causes the airways to narrow and tighten, leading to difficulty breathing.

Anti-inflammatory medicines that work by blocking the actions of leukotrienes. These chemicals play a role in airway inflammation.

A symptom of asthma that involves swelling of the lining of the airways, making it harder for air to pass through.

Chemicals produced in the body that contribute to inflammation and airway narrowing. They are a key factor in asthma.

Glucocorticoids are steroids that reduce inflammation in the airways by suppressing the immune response. They are used in acute asthma exacerbations and chronic severe asthma.

Prednisolone is a type of glucocorticoid used to treat moderate to severe asthma attacks. It is typically given at a dose of 40-60mg daily for 3 days.

Inhaled glucocorticoids, while effective, can have side effects like oropharyngeal candidiasis (yeast infection in the mouth and throat) and reduced bone density.

Systemic glucocorticoids, taken orally, can cause side effects such as mood disturbances (like irritability or anxiety), suppressed immune function (making you more susceptible to infections), and increased appetite.

Systemic glucocorticoids can also lead to increased risk of bone resorption (loss of bone tissue) and glucose intolerance (making it harder to control blood sugar).

Systemic glucocorticoids can also cause skin thinning, skin purpura (bruises), dysphoria (general unhappiness), and growth retardation (especially in children).

Glucocorticoids can suppress the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), which is responsible for regulating the body's stress response.

Glucocorticoids can cause cataract formation (clouding of the lens of the eye), candidiasis (yeast infection), and disorder in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism (affecting how the body processes sugars and fats).