Asthma MOA
This medication binds beta-2 receptors causing smooth muscle relaxation and rapid bronchodilation.
SABA
Tremors, tachycardia, and hypokalemia are common with this class.
beta-2 agonists (SABA/LABA)
These are first-line therapy in COPD and preferred over short-acting agents.
LABA and/or LAMA
The three cardinal symptoms indicating antibiotics may be needed.
Increased dyspnea, increased sputum volume, and increased sputum purulence
Asthma airflow limitation is ______, while COPD is ______.
reversible; irreversible
These drugs decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory cells in the airway.
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
This fungal infection can occur if patients do not rinse after ICS use.
oral thrush (candidiasis)
This PDE-4 inhibitor reduces inflammation but has no direct bronchodilator activity.
Roflumilast
Standard steroid treatment for AECOPD is this dose for 5 days.
Prednisone 40 mg daily x 5 days
Never use this class alone in asthma.
What is LABA without ICS
This monoclonal antibody prevents IgE from binding to mast cells in severe asthma.
What is Omalizumab
These are common short-term adverse effects of oral prednisone
mood changes, increased appetite, reflux, and sleep disturbance
This is the GOLD spirometry criterion required to diagnose COPD.
post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 70%
This ventilation method is preferred before intubation in severe exacerbations.
BiPAP (non-invasive ventilation)
COPD treatment may begin with LABA and/or LAMA without this medication.
ICS
This drug class blocks leukotrienes to relax bronchial smooth muscle and decrease inflammation.
leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., Montelukast)
This is a major reason Theophylline is no longer recommended by guidelines.
Narrow therapeutic index and risk of arrhythmias/seizures
Long-term oxygen therapy increases survival in patients with this oxygen saturation level.
O2 sat <88% (or PaO2 <55 mmHg)
This PaCO₂ level (>60 mmHg) with acidosis indicates life-threatening respiratory failure.
c
acute respiratory failure
Asthma typically begins before this age, COPD typically after this age.
<30 years (asthma) and >40 years (COPD)
This medication antagonizes adenosine receptors and has a narrow therapeutic index (10–20 mcg/mL).
Theophylline
This growth-related concern must be monitored in children on ICS therapy.
potential growth suppression
This therapy is NOT recommended long-term as monotherapy in COPD.
oral steroids or ICS alone
These short-acting agents are commonly combined via nebulizer during exacerbation.
albuterol + ipratropium
This is the most important risk factor for COPD.
Smoking