How does montelukast (Singulair), a leukotriene blocker, work in the treatment of asthma?

Choice A reason: Use of accessory breathing muscles is a sign of respiratory distress and increased work of breathing. Accessory muscles are the muscles of the neck, chest, and abdomen that assist the diaphragm and intercostal muscles in breathing. They are normally not used for breathing, but they are recruited when the airway is obstructed or the lung function is impaired.

Choice B reason: Foul-smelling sputum is not a sign of an acute asthma episode. It is a sign of a bacterial infection or a lung abscess. Sputum is the mucus that is coughed up from the lungs. It can have different colors, textures, and odors depending on the cause and severity of the condition.

Choice C reason: Feeling of chest tightness is a sign of an acute asthma episode. It is caused by the bronchoconstriction, or the narrowing of the airways, that occurs during an asthma attack. It can also be accompanied by pain or pressure in the chest.

Choice D reason: Coughing is a sign of an acute asthma episode. It is a reflex action that tries to clear the airways of mucus, irritants, or foreign particles. It can also be triggered by the inflammation and hypersensitivity of the airways that occur during an asthma attack.

Choice E reason: Expiratory wheezing is a sign of an acute asthma episode. It is a high-pitched whistling sound that is heard when the person exhales. It is caused by the turbulent flow of air through the narrowed airways. It can also be heard on inspiration, but it is more prominent on expiration.

Choice A reason: Potassium is not restricted in the management of high blood pressure. In fact, potassium can help lower blood pressure by balancing the effects of sodium and relaxing the blood vessel walls.

Choice B reason: Magnesium is not restricted in the management of high blood pressure. Magnesium can also help lower blood pressure by regulating the calcium channels and improving the endothelial function.

Choice C reason: Calcium is not restricted in the management of high blood pressure. Calcium can also help lower blood pressure by inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system and reducing the vascular resistance.

Choice D reason: Sodium is restricted in the management of high blood pressure. Sodium can increase blood pressure by retaining water in the body and increasing the blood volume and pressure.