Asthma

Applied Pharmacology

HLTH3204

Acute Myocardial Infarction

Case number three

May 20101

Contents

Case presentation .2

The pathophysiology of asthma .2

Why are inhaled corticosteroid drugs used as preventive medications .3

What is the mechanism of action of corticosteroids .3-4

What is the mechanism of action of beta2 agonists .4

Properties determine whether a beta2 agonist is either short-acting or long-acting .5

Generic names of commonly used inhaled beta2 agonists and inhaled corticosteroids .5

Case presentation continued .5-6

Why

has Dawn developed a severe episode of asthma and how serious is this event .6

Why have you administered nebulised salbutamol and oxygen .6

Why did you administer adrenaline .6

What is the mechanism of action of adrenaline and why have you administered it intramuscularly .7

Why is the duration of effect of adrenaline short .7

REFERENCE .8-11

Case Presentations

Dawn Lights , a 21 year old university student has suffered with moderate persistent asthma since she was a child . She leads a normal physically active life and plays tennis occasionally . Over the last three years she has had two hospital admissions with asthma , but has otherwise been well . Her regular medications , for the past three years , are : an inhaled corticosteroid (beclomethasone , 100 micrograms one puff twice daily and , when needed , an inhaled short acting beta2 agonist (salbutamol 100 micrograms ) either as required or 5-15 minutes before exercise . Dawn tends to use her salbutamol frequently and does not monitor her peak flows

What is the pathophysiology of asthma

Asthma is a constant disease...