Denisse Grahovac Pharmacology WAC #1 Adrenergic (Sympathomimetic) Bronchodilators The indication for use of an adrenergic bronchodilator is relaxation of airway smooth muscle in the presence of reversible airflow obstruction associated with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other obstructive airway diseases. This bronchodilator stimulates b2 receptors on the airway smooth muscle. Here are three classes of adrenergic bronchodilators. The three types are ultra-short acting, short acting, and long acting. Ultra short acting lasts between 1-3 hours, short acting lasts between 2-6 hours, and long acting lasts about 12 hours. An example of an ultra short acting adrenergic bronchodilator agent is epinephrine. An example of a short acting adrenergic
R.S. has been using the recommended treatment for his condition, which inlcude inhaled short-acting Beta-2 agonist and Theophylline, a bronchodilator, to control his respiratory disease.
Racemic albuterol is a β2- adrenergic agonist that is a 50:50 mixture of two isomers, (R) albuterol and (S) albuterol. These two isomers are mirror images of each other, and rotate light in opposite directions. (R) Albuterol is an active isomer and in this combination acts an active bronchodilator. The other half of the mixture, (S) albuterol, does not actually possess any bronchodilator activity and was until recently considered an “inactive” distomer or physiologically inert. The “R” stands for rectus or right, while the “S” is for sinister or left. Racemic albuterol was synthesized for maximal airway smooth muscle dilation while minimizing the α- and β1-receptor mediated effects on the cardiovascular system.
In the article "The Effect of Theophylline and ß2 agonists on Airway Reactivity" it says that more airway responsiveness occurs in asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and other diseases. Theophylline and ß2 agonists are used commonly for maintenance therapy for symptoms associated with the increased responsiveness. Both can reduce airway responsiveness to a variety of chemical irritants.. (Ahrens 15S)
There are two forms of bronchodilators, a short acting and a long acting form. Short acting relieves or stops asthma symptoms and is very helpful during an attack. They are also called ‘rescue’ medications because they are best for treating sudden or severe asthma symptoms. Long acting bronchodilators are used to control asthma, they take longer to work but they also last longer, up to 12 hours, whereas a short acting would only last for about 4-5 hours. Ventolin is a short acting form, it is the recommended medication to use 15-20 mins before exercising.
This essay describes how the anaesthetic machine and airway management equipment are prepared in operating theatres and discusses how they are ensured safe for use. It evaluates the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) guidelines related to safe practice and the preparation of the ET tubes, laryngeal masks, guedels, Naso pharyngeal airways and the laryngoscope. The function of the anaesthetic workstation is to deliver a mixture of anaesthetic agents and gases safely to the patient during the induction process and throughout surgery. In addition, it also provides ventilation to support breathing and monitors the patient’s vital signs to minimise the anaesthetic risks to the patient whilst in the care of health professionals. The pre-use check is vital to patient safety as an inadequate check of the anaesthetic machine or airway management equipment can and does lead to significant harm of the patient including mortality (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), 2008 and Magee, 2012).
It is suggested by Henderson (1998) that breathlessness in the UK today is a common and complex subjective set of symptoms. A vast range of medical and lifestyle choices cause and exacerbate breathlessness, which can be a frightening and sometimes a painful experience for the patient. A nurses interaction with a patient can help alleviate and reduce these episodes and make a substantial difference to patients both in the community and hospital setting.
Gardenhire, D. Rau's respiratory care pharmacology . (8th ed., p. 172). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Mosby.
Hansen-Flaschen J, Schotland H. New Treatments for Exercise-Induced Asthma. New England Journal of Medicine. July 16, 1998:192, 193.
Asthma is a chronic disease that makes it difficult to breathe. The airways to the lungs swell up and become inflamed, which narrows the air passageway to the lungs and the lungs cannot receive the amount of oxygen that it needs. “Mucus builds up inside the airways so you have trouble getting air in and out of your lungs.” (Pope, 2002, p.44). If the lungs do not receive the essential amount of air, it will cause a lot of distress and wheezing to the patient.
Li, James T., ed. Pharmacotherapy of Asthma. Vol. 212. New York: Taylor and Francis, 2006. Print.
Asthma is chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by recurring episodes of wheeling and breathlessness. It often exists with allergies and can be worsened through exposure to allergens. In fact, asthma is complicated syndromes that have neither single definition nor complete explanation to the point. In light of its treatment, it is worthwhile to notice that asthma cannot be cured, instead can be only managed by avoiding exposure to allergens and/or by using medications regularly.
Asthma is treated with two types of medicines: long-term control and quick-relief medicines. Long-term control medicines help reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. Quick-relief, or "rescue," medicines relieve asthma symptoms that may flare up.
Chronic bronchitis is a disorder that causes inflammation to the airway, mainly the bronchial tubules. It produces a chronic cough that lasts three consecutive months for more than two successive years (Vijayan,2013). Chronic Bronchitis is a member of the COPD family and is prominently seen in cigarette smokers. Other factors such as air pollutants, Asbestos, and working in coal mines contributes to inflammation. Once the irritant comes in contact with the mucosa of the bronchi it alters the composition causing hyperplasia of the glands and producing excessive sputum (Viayan,2013). Goblet cells also enlarge to contribute to the excessive secretion of sputum. This effects the cilia that carry out the mechanism of trapping foreign bodies to allow it to be expelled in the sputum, which are now damaged by the irritant making it impossible for the person to clear their airway. Since the mechanism of airway clearance is ineffective, the secretion builds up a thickened wall of the bronchioles causing constriction and increasing the work of breathing. The excessive build up of mucous could set up pneumonia. The alveoli are also damaged enabling the macrophages to eliminate bacteria putting the patient at risk for acquiring an infection.
Even though there is no cure for asthma, there are two main types of medication used for the treatment of it. The first is long term medication that aids in decreasing the inflammation of a person’s airways and also serves as a preventative measure for symptoms and asthma attacks. These medicines are usually anti-inflammatory drugs that are taken daily to reduce future symptoms, but do not act as a quick fix...
The roles of the circulatory and respiratory system both carry important responsibilities and are essential in their jobs to the human body. The circulatory system is one, if not the, most important system in the human body. The circulatory system is made up of the heart, blood, and blood vessels. Within the blood vessels, there are three types: arteries, veins, and capillaries. The heart is an organ made up of cardiac muscle that has a role similar to a pump. When the muscles in the heart contract, it pumps fresh blood away from the heart, through a main artery called the aorta, and to the organs and cells of the body. Nutrients and oxygen then enter the cells through diffusion of the tissues. The respiratory system transports oxygen to the circulatory system. When transporting oxygen to the circulatory system, this will in turn transport oxygen to the rest of the cells in the body. Aside from transporting oxygen to the body, the respiratory system also plays a role in the removal of carbon dioxide and other contaminants in the body. These two systems effectively and efficiently work together in order to supply the body with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide and any other