Asthma and COPD

5 core treatments and 5 MORE treatments











5 Core Treatments











* Albuterol* Beta agonist* Bronchodilator* Core treatment for asthma* Ipratropium* Anti-muscarinic* Relax muscles around the airways* Works synergistically with albuterol* Steroids* Decrease inflammation in the airways* Prednisone (PO)* Methylprednisone (IV)* BiPAP (COPD)* Decreases work of breathing* Decreases rates of intubation* Decreases mortality* Antibiotics (COPD)* Infection common cause of inflammation











5 More Treatments











* Magnesium sulfate* Ketamine* Epinephrine (systemic beta agonist)* Heliox* LAST RESORT – Intubation* Decrease rate and volume* Increase expiratory time and inspiratory flow











Additional Reading











* Antibiotics in COPD (AAFP)* The Crashing Asthmatic (REBEL EM)