QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
CORRECT ANSWERS
GRADED A+
Differential diagnosis for asthma - CORRECT ANSWER-TB
HIV/AIDS associated lung disease
Parasitic or fungal lung diseases
What type of approach is used for asthma diagnosis - CORRECT ANSWER-Syndromic approach
Before commencing long term treatment for asthma was does GINA recommend - CORRECT
ANSWER-Conformation of diagnosis with PFTs
Diagnostic criteria for PEF - CORRECT ANSWER-•>20% increase in PEF, 15 minutes after 2 puffs
of salbutamol = asthma likely (WHO-PEN)
•Improvement of symptoms and PEF after 4 weeks ICS treatment
Why can we not treat with SABAs along - CORRECT ANSWER-Regular use of SABA, even for 1-2
weeks, is associated with increased AHR, reduced bronchodilator effect, increased allergic
response, increased eosinophils
Can lead to viscious cycle encouraging overuse
,Overuse of SABAs are associated with - CORRECT ANSWER-Increased exacerbation and
increased mortality
Treatment for mild asthma - CORRECT ANSWER-Step 1 therapy
SABAs as needed of for symptoms
Exercise
Annual flu shot
Avoid triggers as symptoms occur when exposed to triggers
Treatment for mild persistent asthma - CORRECT ANSWER-Low dose ICS daily
-Mainstay for patients of all ages
Use beta agonists as needed
What needs to happed if using beta agonists for more than 2 days a week - CORRECT ANSWER-
Step up therapy
Treatment of moderate asthma - CORRECT ANSWER-Medium dose ICS
Low dose ICS plus LABA
Medium dose ICS plus LTRM
,Short acting beta agonists may be used
Moderate asthma exacerbations may require what treatment - CORRECT ANSWER-Oral
corticosteroids
Treatment of severe persistent asthma - CORRECT ANSWER-Step 6 therapy
-High dose ICS plus LABA and oral corticosteroids
Severe persistent asthma requires what referral - CORRECT ANSWER-Asthma specialist
How do we monitor our asthma patients - CORRECT ANSWER-After control is gained ever 2-3
month to determine if step up or step down is indicated
GINA Guidelines recommend that the dose of inhaled corticosteroids be reduced about 25% to
50% every 2 to 3 months to the lowest possible dose to maintain control.
How to manage asthma exacerbations - CORRECT ANSWER-Oral steroids to regain control in
short bursts
•Adults: 40 to 60 mg/day for 5 to 10 days
•Children: 1 to 2 mg/kg daily (maximum 50 mg/day) for 3 to 10 days
What do you do if initial asthma exacerbation treatment is not effective - CORRECT ANSWER-
Step up therapy
How to monitor and treat pregnant asthmatic patients - CORRECT ANSWER-Monitor asthma
symptoms at each prenatal visit
, Inhaled beta agonists are the drug of choice during pregnancy
Inhaled corticosteroids are the long term drug of choice
True or false
Most asthmatics have EIA - CORRECT ANSWER-True
Treatment for EIA - CORRECT ANSWER-SABA 15 minutes before exercise (lasts 2-3 hours)
Salmeterol lasts 10-12 hours
Use a mask or scarf over mouth if EIA is cold induced
LTM may help
What does the asthma action plan include - CORRECT ANSWER-•Overall treatment plan
•Specific drug therapy
•Drugs as part of treatment regimen
•Adherence issues
How often should the asthma action plan be reviewed - CORRECT ANSWER-Routinely or every 6
months
What is COPD - CORRECT ANSWER-Condition of chronic airflow limitation