Pharmacology Focus: Asthma Medications – Part 2

 Preventers & Add-On Therapies

In Part 1, we explored bronchodilators – which treat bronchoconstriction, one part of the asthma puzzle. But asthma is fundamentally a chronic inflammatory disease, and ongoing airway inflammation needs long-term control to prevent symptoms, reduce exacerbations, and preserve lung function.

This is where preventers and add-on anti-inflammatory therapies come in.

What is the link between aspirin and asthma?

I made this video 8 years or so ago about the role of aspirin sensitivity in asthma - the pharmacology is very cool- you might find it interesting? (it contains my favourite biochemical pathway ! )

Pharmacology Focus: Asthma Medications – Part 1

Bronchodilator therapies in Asthma

Asthma management isn't just about relieving symptoms — it's about understanding the underlying pathophysiology and targeting different mechanisms. Bronchodilators play a key role in managing airway narrowing, a hallmark of asthma, but they don't all work the same way.

Let’s look at the major bronchodilator classes used in asthma: short-acting β2 agonists (SABAs), long-acting β2 agonists (LABAs), and muscarinic antagonists (SAMAs and LAMAs) — and link them to the science behind the symptoms. 

What Actually Happens in the Airways During Asthma? 🫁

🔬 A deep dive into the pathophysiology 

Asthma isn’t just wheeze and puffers — it’s a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airways, with a complex pathophysiology involving immune dysfunction, airway hyperresponsiveness, structural changes, and reversible obstruction.

Respiratory Physiology — Why It’s More Than Just Breathing In and Out🫁

Hey first-years! As we dive into the respiratory system, it’s time to go beyond the basics of “inhale, exhale” and explore what’s really happening every time you breathe.

Understanding respiratory physiology gives you a foundation for clinical reasoning  — so here’s your guided tour of the essentials:

🩻 Chest X-ray Interpretation 🩻

Reading CXRs can feel overwhelming, but a structured approach saves lives (and embarrassment on ward rounds).

Welcome to the respiratory system! 🩺

The respiratory system is more than just breathing in and out. It’s your body’s frontline for gas exchange, pH balance, and even defence. So let’s break it down — not just what you need to know, but why it matters.

RA vs. OA: Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, & Physical Signs 🦴

 👋 Let’s break down two of the most important joint disorders: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA). Both affect the joints, but they’re very different in terms of pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and physical signs. Let’s dive in! 🧬📚

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Unravelling the Pathophysiology 🧬

👋 Let’s dive into the fascinating (and complex) world of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)—a classic autoimmune disorder that’s important to understand for future clinical practice. 🩺📚

As always, understanding the pathophysiology helps to make it all make sense. 

Pharmacology Spotlight: Antihypertensive Medications 🩺

Hey future doctors! 👋 As you dive into the fascinating world of pharmacology, let’s take a moment to break down one of the most important drug classes you’ll encounter: antihypertensives. 💊 These medications are crucial for managing high blood pressure (hypertension), a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. 

Here’s a detailed overview to help you connect the mechanisms of these drugs to physiology:

A bronchial cast

 Yes, this is exactly what it looks like... 😱

This 15 centimetre long, perfectly intact blood clot was coughed up in one piece. What makes it even more remarkable is that it’s an exact cast of the right bronchial tree—the branching network of airways that carries air to and from the lungs.

Risk Factors for Hypertension (HTN) 🩺

Hello future doctors! Today, let’s explore the risk factors for hypertension and why they’re critical to understand. Identifying and addressing these factors is key to preventing and managing HTN in your future patients.

Medical Insights: Regulating Blood Pressure (Short & Long Term) 🩺

Hello students! Let’s take a closer look at a cornerstone of cardiovascular physiology: Blood Pressure Regulation and its normal range. Mastering this topic is essential for diagnosing and managing hypertension in your future practice.

The Normal Physiology of Bone: Remodelling, Healing & Influencing Factors 🦴

Hey future doctors! 👋 Let’s break down bone physiology—a topic that underpins fracture healing, osteoporosis, and metabolic bone diseases.

Bones are living, dynamic tissues that undergo constant remodelling and repair. But how do they do this? And what affects their ability to heal? Let’s dive in! ⬇️

Falls in the Elderly: A Preventable Problem

 Hey future clinicians! 👋 Let’s talk about falls—a major cause of injury and loss of independence in older adults. In Australia, 1 in 3 people over 65 will experience a fall each year, and for many, it’s a life-changing event. 

But here’s the good news: most falls are preventable! Let’s dive into the why, how, and what we can do about it.

Hip Fractures: A Major Challenge in Ageing Populations 🦴

Hey future clinicians! 👋 Let’s talk about hip fractures—a serious and often life-altering injury, especially for our elderly patients. In 🇦🇺, hip fractures are a leading cause of hospital admissions in people over 65, and they come with significant morbidity and mortality.

Let’s break it down and see how we can make a difference.

Osteoporosis: The Silent Thief of Bone 🦴

Hey future clinicians! 👋 Let’s take a deep dive into osteoporosis—a condition that’s far more than just “brittle bones.” In Australia, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture. 

But what’s really happening at the cellular level, and how do we tackle it? Let’s break it down (pun intended 😉).

Regional ischaemic territories

 Where are you seeing that ischaemic region?

IHD vs ACS: What Every Medical Student Should Know

Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD) and Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) are terms that often get used interchangeably—but they’re not the same. If you want to sound like you know what you’re talking about on ward rounds (or ace your exams), here’s what you need to remember.