Treatments for Respiratory Disorders

Treatments for Respiratory Disorders

Submission Instructions:

Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in the current APA style with support from at least 4 academic sources.
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Due Wednesday June 5 at 11:59pm

Causes:

Viruses: The majority of upper respiratory infections (URIs) are caused by viruses such as rhinoviruses, influenza viruses, adenoviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) .
Bacteria: Less commonly, URIs can be caused by bacteria, such as Streptococcus pyogenes, which can lead to conditions like strep throat.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to allergens, pollutants, and irritants like tobacco smoke can also contribute to the development of URIs.
Close Contact: URIs are highly contagious and can spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Drug Therapy:

Antiviral Medications: For viral URIs like influenza, antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) may be prescribed to reduce symptom duration and severity.
Antibiotics: These are prescribed for bacterial URIs, such as amoxicillin or azithromycin for bacterial pharyngitis.
Decongestants: Over-the-counter medications like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help relieve nasal congestion.
Analgesics/Antipyretics: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can reduce fever and alleviate pain.
Cough Suppressants: Medications like dextromethorphan can help manage cough symptoms.

Triggers:

Allergens: Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and cockroach waste.
Irritants: Tobacco smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and strong odors can trigger asthma symptoms.
Physical Activity: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) can be a trigger for some individuals.
Weather: Cold air, changes in weather, and high humidity can exacerbate asthma.
Respiratory Infections: Viral and bacterial infections can worsen asthma symptoms.
Stress and Strong Emotions: Emotional stress and anxiety can trigger asthma attacks.

Treatment Options:

Short-Acting Beta-Agonists (SABAs): Albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir) is used for quick relief of acute asthma symptoms.
Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS): Medications like fluticasone (Flovent) and budesonide (Pulmicort) reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks.
Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs): Salmeterol (Serevent) and formoterol (Foradil) are used in combination with ICS for long-term control.
Leukotriene Modifiers: Montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast (Accolate) help prevent asthma symptoms by blocking leukotrienes.
Mast Cell Stabilizers: Cromolyn sodium (Intal) prevents the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells.
Biologic Therapies: Omalizumab (Xolair) and mepolizumab (Nucala) are used for severe asthma by targeting specific pathways involved in the immune response.

Corticosteroids Overview:

Mechanism of Action: Corticosteroids mimic the effects of hormones produced by the adrenal glands. They work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system.
Forms: Available in oral, inhaled, topical, and injectable forms.
Uses: Commonly used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and allergies.

Examples:

Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS): Fluticasone (Flovent), budesonide (Pulmicort), and beclomethasone (Qvar) are used for long-term asthma control.
Oral Corticosteroids: Prednisone and methylprednisolone (Medrol) are used for short-term treatment of severe inflammation.
Topical Corticosteroids: Hydrocortisone and betamethasone are used to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Side Effects:

Short-Term Use: Insomnia, increased appetite, and mood changes.
Long-Term Use: Osteoporosis, weight gain, diabetes, hypertension, and increased risk of infections.

Chronic Bronchitis Overview:

Definition: Chronic bronchitis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by persistent inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to cough and mucus production.
Causes: The primary cause is long-term exposure to irritants, especially cigarette smoke. Other causes include air pollution, dust, and chemical fumes.

Symptoms:

Chronic Cough: Often producing mucus (sputum) that can be clear, white, yellow, or greenish.
Shortness of Breath: Especially during physical activities.
Frequent Respiratory Infections: Increased susceptibility to colds and flu.
Fatigue: Due to reduced oxygen exchange in the lungs.

Treatment Options:

Smoking Cessation: The most crucial step in managing chronic bronchitis.
Bronchodilators: Medications such as albuterol (Proventil) and ipratropium (Atrovent) help open airways.
Inhaled Corticosteroids: Fluticasone (Flovent) and budesonide (Pulmicort) reduce inflammation and prevent exacerbations.
Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors: Roflumilast (Daliresp) helps decrease airway inflammation and relaxes the airways.
Oxygen Therapy: For patients with severe hypoxemia.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A program that includes exercise, education, and support to help manage the condition.

References:

Cherry, J. D., & Harrison, G. J. (2021). Feigin and Cherry’s Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. Elsevier.
Wenzel, S. E. (2022). Treatment of severe asthma in adolescents and adults. UpToDate.
McCance, K. L., & Huether, S. E. (2019). Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children. Elsevier.
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). (2023). Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.