Using flashcards is one of the most effective study methods. On this page, learn about the most common Respiratory Medications.
Albuterol
Relaxes muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe
Ipratropium
Dilates the airways and helps with breathing difficulties in COPD
Montelukast
Blocks chemicals called leukotrienes, which can trigger asthma and allergic reactions
Theophylline
Relaxes the muscles around the airways and may help improve breathing in some lung conditions
Budesonide
Reduces inflammation in the lungs and helps control asthma symptoms
Aminophylline
Relaxes the muscles in the airways and may improve breathing in lung conditions
Cromolyn
Helps prevent asthma attacks by reducing inflammation in the airways
Salmeterol
Long-acting bronchodilator used to prevent asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations
Fluticasone
Reduces inflammation in the airways, helping to prevent asthma attacks
Respiratory Disorders
Some of the most common respiratory disorders include asthma, a chronic condition characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, coughing, and chest tightness. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It causes airflow obstruction, leading to breathing difficulties, coughing, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Respiratory Infections
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs. Symptoms include fever, cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, resulting in coughing, production of mucus, and difficulty breathing. Acute bronchitis is often due to viral infections, while chronic bronchitis is typically associated with smoking or long-term exposure to irritants. Interstitial lung disease is a group of disorders characterized by inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue between the air sacs. Examples include idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, causing thick, sticky mucus buildup in the lungs, leading to frequent infections and breathing difficulties. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. It often leads to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue due to disrupted breathing patterns. Lung cancer affects the lungs, often associated with smoking, exposure to environmental toxins, or genetic factors.
These respiratory disorders vary in severity and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Respiratory Diagnostic Studies
Early diagnosis, appropriate management, and lifestyle modifications are essential in managing these conditions and preventing complications. Several diagnostic tests help identify and assess respiratory conditions including Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) to assess lung function by measuring airflow, lung volumes, and gas exchange. Common PFTs include spirometry, which measures how much and how quickly air can be exhaled, and diffusion capacity tests to evaluate gas exchange in the lungs. Chest X-ray (CXR) and CT Scan (Computed Tomography) provide views of lung structures and abnormalities. These tests are useful for diagnosing conditions like pulmonary embolism, lung cancer, or interstitial lung diseases. Bronchoscopy involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera (bronchoscope) into the airways to visualize the trachea and bronchi. It helps diagnose conditions, collect samples, or remove foreign objects. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test and Sputum Tests analyze blood gases and help identify infections. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) Measurement involves using a peak flow meter to measure how fast air can be pushed out of the lungs, aiding in monitoring asthma or detecting changes in lung function. Other test include allergy testing, lung biopsy and sleep studies (polysomnography). These tests play vital roles in diagnosing respiratory conditions.
Respiratory Medications
Common medications include bronchodilators, albuterol, salbutamol, salmeterol; anticholinergics, Ipratropium, tiotropium; corticosteroids, inhaled and systemic; leukotriene modifiers, mucolytics and expectorants, antibiotics, oxygen therapy, antiviral medications, and immunotherapy.