2 Asthma Free Online FlashCards

What characterizes asthma as a disease?

Asthma is a chronic, heterogeneous airway disease that usually involves airway inflammation and variable expiratory airflow limitation.

What three processes narrow the airways during an asthma episode?

Bronchoconstriction, airway-wall swelling from inflammation, and excess or thick mucus narrow the airways.

Which symptoms commonly occur in asthma?

Wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough; these symptoms vary over time and in intensity.

What four areas help assess recent asthma symptom control?

Ask about daytime symptoms, night waking, reliever use, and activity limitation over the past four weeks.

What is an asthma exacerbation?

An exacerbation is an acute or subacute worsening of symptoms and lung function compared with the person’s usual condition.

Which findings may indicate a severe asthma exacerbation?

Concerning severe findings include inability to speak, a quiet or silent chest, breathing rate above $30/\text{min}$, oxygen saturation below $92\%$, or PEF below $50\%$.

Which findings indicate an acutely life-threatening asthma presentation?

Drowsiness, confusion, or cyanosis indicates an acutely life-threatening presentation and requires urgent escalation.

What is the initial approach to severe or life-threatening asthma?

Arrange immediate emergency transfer; give inhaled SABA, add ipratropium for severe attacks, provide controlled oxygen as needed, and give systemic corticosteroids.

What oxygen saturation target is used for adults and adolescents?

Titrate oxygen to a saturation target of $92\text{–}95\%$ in adults and adolescents, adjusted for altitude and local guidance.

What should be monitored after acute asthma treatment, and when should it be reassessed?

Monitor symptoms, oxygen saturation, breathing effort, air entry, and lung function; reassess within about an hour, or sooner if the patient worsens.

Why is SABA-only treatment not recommended for asthma?

ICS-containing treatment is central to preventing attacks, even when symptoms are infrequent. SABA-only treatment is not recommended by GINA because it does not treat airway inflammation and is associated with increased exacerbation risk.

What ICS–formoterol approach does GINA usually prefer for adults and adolescents?

For adults and adolescents, GINA usually prefers as-needed low-dose ICS–formoterol at lower steps and the same inhaler for maintenance and relief (MART) at higher steps.