Respiratory Medicine in Dundee
Questions on Asthma Treatment
1) It is more important to treat the bronchial muscle spasm than the mucosal inflammation.
Incorrect
CORRECT!
Both need to be managed, hence the use of both Beta 2 agonists and corticosteroids
2) Salbutamol is a long-acting b2-agonist used for treatment of nocturnal symptoms.
Incorrect
CORRECT!
It is short acting and used as a reliever inhaler for the management of acute symptoms
3) Inhaled corticosteroids are used for treatment of acute severe asthma.
Incorrect
CORRECT!
Oral/IV Corticosteroids are used in acute exacerbation, BUT can take up to 6 hours to take effect.
4) The use of a spacer device with inhaled corticosteroid reduces the incidence of oral candidiasis, and improves lung delivery.
CORRECT!
With a spacer device and a controlled inhalation (rather than a short sharp one) the drug will travel further down the respiratory tract and help prevent it settling on the oral mucosa and causing oral thrush.
Incorrect
5) High doses of salbutamol are given by a nebuliser in an acute attack
CORRECT!
Although there is evidence to suggest that the same doses can be given as effectively with an MDI inhaler and spacer device the use of a nebuliser needs no co-ordination or effort form the patient.
Incorrect
