 | |
| Photo via: topnews.in |
Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Its diagnosis is usually made based on the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over time, and spirometry. It is clinically classified according to the frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate. Asthma may also be classified as atopic (extrinsic) or non-atopic (intrinsic).
Treatment of acute symptoms is usually with an inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist (such as salbutamol). Symptoms can be prevented by avoiding triggers, such as allergens and irritants, and by the use of inhaled corticosteroids. Leukotriene antagonists are less effective than corticosteroids and thus less preferred. The prevalence of asthma has increased significantly since the 1970s. As of 2010, 300 million people were affected worldwide. In 2009 asthma caused 250,000 deaths globally
What is asthma?
Asthma is a disease affecting the airways of the lungs (bronchi). Asthma is caused by inflammation chronic (long-term) of the bronchi. It makes bronchi, or airways, the patient becomes susceptible to various agents.
- When the inflammatory process is stimulated by a number of factors inside and outside, airway edema and stasis talks.
- The bronchial muscles will shrink further narrow for bronchitis.
- The narrow this makes it difficult for air to escape from the lungs (breathing difficulty).
- The phenomenon of resistance to exhalation (breathing hard) this is a characteristic symptom of asthma.
Because asthma causes resistance, or obstruction, expiratory air flow, so it is called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The medical term for this condition is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD is a group of diseases that includes not only asthma but also chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Like other chronic diseases, asthma is a disease that you have to endure on a daily basis throughout life. You can asthma attacks whenever you come in contact with one of your allergens. Unlike other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma can be restored.
- Asthma can not be cured but can be controlled.
- You have more opportunities to control asthma if diagnosed early and start treatment immediately.
- If the appropriate treatment, patients with asthma may be less asthma attacks and asthma attacks if it occurs, will be less severe.
- If untreated, patients may more frequent and severe asthma attacks and even death.
Currently, asthma were more in developed countries. The exact reason is not known but may be the contribution of the following factors:
- We spent a little bear childhood exposure to infectious agents such as grandparents should do before our immune system becomes less sensitive.
- We have more home time prior to exposure to the elements more in indoor allergies such as house dust.
- Today's air pollution was more ancient.
- The modern way of life makes us less active than before and obesity increasingly popular. There is some evidence that the association between obesity and asthma.
However, the good news is that people with asthma can fully live for the rest of his life. The current asthma treatment, if strictly followed, will help asthma patients limit the number of seizures. With the help of the doctor, you can control your disease.
Causes of asthma
We do not know the exact cause of asthma.
- Overall score of patients with their asthma is airway inflammation and chronic hypersensitivity to many allergens.
- The study focuses on the issue: "Why is this person may have asthma, while others are not?"
- Some people are born with asthma are prone while others are not. Scientists are trying to find genes that cause this tendency.
- The environment in which you live and your lifestyle to determine the part that you have asthma attacks or not.
Asthma is the body's reaction to allergens. It is similar to an allergic reaction in many ways.
- Allergic reaction is the response of the body's immune system to foreign agents.
- When the immune system cells found strange agent, we will create a series of reactions that help the body fight.
- If this chain reaction mucus production and bronchospasm we will create the symptoms of an asthma attack.
- Strange agent in asthma are listed below and they change depending on the object.
Each asthma patients with different types of allergens. When almost all of the allergens causing asthma attacks in some people it does not cause symptoms in the rest. Some common allergens can cause asthma attacks are:
- Exposure to tobacco smoke or smoke generated by firewood.
- Inhalation of air pollution.
- Inhaling other respiratory stimuli such as fragrances or detergents.
- Exposure to respiratory irritants in the workplace.
- Inhalation of allergens (allergens) such as insects, dust or animal hair.
Upper respiratory tract infection, such as colds, sinusitis or bronchitis
- Cold weather, dry.
- Feelings of excitement or stress.
- Mobilize too much.
- Gastric reflux also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- Sulfite additives of some sort of food and wine.
- Menstruation - in some women (not all) have asthma symptoms closely related to the menstrual cycle.
The risk factors of asthma
Seasonal hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and a number of other allergens.
- Eczema (eczema) - another type of allergic effect on skin.
- Genetics - a parent or sibling with asthma also
Symptoms of the disease
When airway irritation or infection can trigger an asthma attack. Asthma attacks can occur suddenly or gradually after a few days or a few hours. The main symptoms of asthma include:
- Wheezing
- Do not breathe.
- In difficult
These symptoms can occur during the day or night. If it happens at night, it may disrupt your sleep.
Wheezing is the most common symptom of asthma.
- Wheezing is the noise associated with breathing.
- Wheezing often heard in, breathe out, but there can also be heard in the inhale.
- Not all patients with asthma are wheezing and not all wheezing is asthma.
Guidelines for care of patients with asthma now includes the distribution for the severity of asthma symptoms as follows:
- Lightweight - not continuous: the frequency of asthma attacks no more than 2 times / week and night symptoms within 2 weeks / months. Asthma attack lasting no longer than a few hours. The severity of the attack changes but no symptoms between episodes.
- Lightweight - Continuous: frequency of asthma attacks more than 2 times / week but not daily, nocturnal symptoms more than 2 times / month. Asthma can sometimes affect daily activities.
- Medium - constant: frequency of asthma attacks and nocturnal symptoms more than 1 time / week. Asthma attacks occur with severe intensity and at least 2 times / week and may be extended on a daily basis. Need to use fast-acting medication and changes daily activities.
- Heavy - continuous: frequent asthma, nocturnal symptoms occur continuously and limit daily activities.
A patient with mild or moderate asthma may have a severe asthma attack. The severity of asthma can change over time become better or worse.
When in need of medical intervention
If you think of yourself or your child has asthma, talk to your doctor. Some signs that can help you think of asthma include:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest
If you or your child has asthma, it is necessary to have a guide covers what to do when an asthma attack occurs, when to call the doctor and when to get to the emergency room.
- Inhaled beta-2 agonist dose spray 1 minute apart. If not supported, add the next dose spray every 5 minutes apart. If there is no response after 8 sprays (within 40 minutes), you should take the patient to the doctor.
- Call your doctor if you are an asthma attack and had used oral steroids or spray or effects of the drug through the spray does not last more than 4 hours.
- These details are a general guideline, if your doctor recommends a treatment plan, then follow that plan.
Although this is a reversible disease but a severe asthma attack can cause death.
- If you are an asthma attack and short breath or not to contact a doctor, you need to go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
- Do not go to the hospital alone, with family or friends. If you are alone, call the emergency phone number to be transported to the hospital by car.
