Respiratory System Overview: Asthma and Disorders

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason β2 agonists should not be used as the sole therapeutic agents for patients with persistent asthma?

They have no anti-inflammatory effects. (correct)

They are more expensive than other medications.

They are only effective for exercise-induced asthma.

They can cause severe bronchoconstriction.

Which of the following is a long-acting β2 agonist (LABA)?

Levalbuterol

Salmeterol (correct)

Albuterol

Formoterol (correct)

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) primarily function by targeting what aspect of asthma?

Reducing airway inflammation. (correct)

Increasing airway smooth muscle contraction.

Directly dilating bronchi.

Enhancing β2 agonist effects.

What is a common adverse effect minimized by inhaled delivery of β2 agonists compared to systemic administration?

Hypokalemia Signup and view all the answers

When should salmeterol or formoterol not be used?

For immediate relief of an acute asthma attack. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding LABA monotherapy?

It is contraindicated for chronic asthma without an ICS. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential short-term treatment for severe persistent asthma?

A short course of oral glucocorticoids. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is not a typical adverse effect of β2 agonists?

Drowsiness Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary action of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in asthma treatment?

Reduce hyperresponsiveness of airway smooth muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which alternative drug is a selective inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase?

Zileuton Signup and view all the answers

Leukotriene modifiers are primarily used in asthma therapy to:

Control symptoms in poorly managed patients Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action for cromolyn in asthma treatment?

Reduce histamine release from mast cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about leukotriene receptor antagonists?

They block the effects of cysteinyl leukotrienes Signup and view all the answers

How frequently must cromolyn be administered due to its short duration of action?

Three to four times daily Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about leukotrienes is correct?

LTB4 acts as a chemoattractant for neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

What are common adverse effects of using cromolyn?

Cough and irritation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of asthma?

Chronic inflammation of the airways Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors may trigger an asthma attack?

Exposure to allergens Signup and view all the answers

What role do β2-adrenergic agonists play in asthma treatment?

They directly relax airway smooth muscle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having a ‘quick-relief’ medication for asthma patients?

To treat acute asthma symptoms promptly. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the mechanism of asthma airflow obstruction?

Results from bronchial smooth muscle contraction and inflammation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of relief provided by short-acting β2 agonists (SABAs)?

4 to 6 hours Signup and view all the answers

Why are local delivery methods preferred for administering asthma medications?

They have fewer side effects compared to oral medications. Signup and view all the answers

What additional effect can β2-adrenergic agonists have that patients should be aware of?

Contraction and tachycardia due to β1 receptor action Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason ipratropium is not recommended for routine treatment of acute bronchospasm in asthma?

It has a slower onset than inhaled SABAs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of theophylline overdose?

Seizures Signup and view all the answers

Why is theophylline less commonly used in asthma treatment today?

It has a narrow therapeutic window and adverse effects. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of omalizumab in the treatment of asthma?

It prevents the release of mediators of allergic responses. Signup and view all the answers

For which patients is omalizumab indicated in asthma treatment?

Patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma poorly controlled with conventional therapy. Signup and view all the answers

How often is omalizumab administered subcutaneously?

Every two weeks Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored when a patient is using theophylline chronically?

Serum concentration levels Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario can ipratropium provide additional benefit when treating acute asthma exacerbations?

When combined with a SABA Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Respiratory Disorders Overview

Major respiratory disorders include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergic rhinitis, and cough.

Asthma

Chronic inflammatory condition affecting airways, leading to bronchoconstriction, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, wheezing, and rapid respiration.
Triggering factors include allergens, exercise, stress, and respiratory infections.

Pathophysiology

Airflow obstruction arises from:
- Bronchial smooth muscle contraction
- Bronchial wall inflammation
- Increased mucus secretion
- Underlying airway hyperresponsiveness

Therapy Goals

Key objectives are reducing symptom frequency and intensity, and improving patient quality of life.
Patients must have quick-relief medication for acute symptoms.
Long-term treatment focuses on reversing and preventing airway inflammation.

Drug Delivery Methods

Methods include nasal mucosa delivery, inhalation to the lungs, or oral/parenteral routes for systemic absorption.
Local delivery (inhalers, nasal sprays) minimizes systemic side effects.

β2 -Adrenergic Agonists

Directly relax airway smooth muscle for quick relief of asthma symptoms.
Short-acting β2 agonists (SABAs), e.g., albuterol and levalbuterol, provide relief within 5 to 30 minutes, lasting 4 to 6 hours.

Quick Relief with SABAs

Essential for all asthma patients; however, not anti-inflammatory.
Appropriate for intermittent asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Long-Term Control with LABAs

Long-acting β2 agonists (LABAs) like salmeterol and formoterol provide bronchodilation for at least 12 hours.
LABAs should not be used as monotherapy in chronic asthma; they require combination with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).

Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS)

The first-line treatment for long-term asthma control.
Effective for all degrees of persistent asthma in children and adults.
ICS reduce airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness when used regularly.

Alternative Drugs for Asthma Treatment

Used when patients have poor control or adverse reactions to conventional therapies.
Should be used alongside ICS, not as monotherapy.

Leukotriene Modifiers

Work by inhibiting leukotriene production and blocking their receptor effects.
Approved for asthma prevention; ineffective for immediate bronchodilation.

Cromolyn

Prophylactic agent that prevents mast cell degranulation, but not useful for acute attacks.
Requires frequent dosing, which can affect adherence.

Cholinergic Antagonists

Ipratropium is useful for those intolerant to SABAs and provides additional benefit in acute situations.

Theophylline

A bronchodilator with potential anti-inflammatory effects, now less commonly used due to its narrow therapeutic index.
Requires monitoring and has significant drug interactions.

Monoclonal Antibody (Omalizumab)

Targets human IgE to reduce allergic responses; used in patients with severe persistent asthma not controlled by other therapies.
High cost and subcutaneous administration every 2 weeks limit its use; risk of rare anaphylactic reactions exists.

Case Study Context

A 12-year-old girl with asthma develops cough and wheezing after exposure to a horse riding stable, highlighting the necessity for quick-relief medication in emergencies.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to the respiratory system, focusing on respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and allergic rhinitis. Understand the pathophysiology and symptoms associated with these conditions to deepen your knowledge of respiratory health.