Bronchial asthma
Bronchial asthma is a very common disease. Presently the number of people with bronchial asthma has been increasing despite the early diagnosis and contemporary approaches to treatment. Total number of asthmatic patients in the world counts more than 150 million people.
Asthmatic patients have chronic inflammation in their respiratory tract which causes suffocation at exacerbation. The attack may be short or prolonged. Very often, at the early stages of the diseases the attacks go away by themselves and the patient does not suspect he has the disease. With time without treatment and prophylaxis these episodes of suffocation become more severe and frequent. As a rule, only in this stage of the diseases most patients consult a doctor for the first time. Bronchial asthma is a hereditary disease, and the diseases in one of the parents doubles the risk of getting bronchial asthma by the child. If both parents have the disease, the chances of development of asthma in the child are quadrupled. In children and aged people the diseases tends to runs in more serious mode.
There could be several causes of development of bronchial asthma. The common risk factors which may provoke its development include:
domestic allergens (domestic and paper dust), pets (hair and dandruff of cats and dogs), fungal spores;
allergens widely spread in the environment (e.g. pollen);
food allergens;
smoking (both passive and active);
occupational allergens, i.e. paint, varnish, etc.
Viral respiratory tract infections also play a role in development of bronchial asthma. It is more characteristic of younger children. In older children allergy is the most common cause of the disease. In adults the disease often develops due to the impact of allergens associated with their occupation. Another cause of bronchial asthma may represent bad environmental condition. Asthma is very common in big cities and industrial regions. Leading unhealthy lifestyle and unfavorable climate (wet and cold) may also have a negative effect on the course of the disease.
The common symptoms of bronchial asthma are:
1. Recurrent asthma attacks with sibilant wheezes during exhalation when the patient for facilitating breathing assumes sitting position with hands resting against knees and upper body leaned forward;
2. Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing) often experienced at night; the patient wakes up because of lack of air or cough;
3. Physical load, emotional stress and allergen inhalation may provoke asthma attack;
4. In asthmatic patients colds usually last more than 10 days and it feels like cough is getting deeper into chest;
5. Shortness of breath goes away soon after taking bronchial spasmolytics (medicines dilating bronchi).
An asthma attack may start gradually or suddenly. In either ways the patient need medical care during the attack. If you experience the attack for the first time, get examined by a pulmonologist.
Bronchial asthma treatment
In recent years the attitude towards the treatment of bronchial asthma has changed radically. This has happened due to the latest researches, in the results of which scientists have defined a decisive role of allergic inflammation in respiratory tract problems and hyperactivity (excessive sensitiveness) of bronchi. The two directions in the treatment of bronchial asthma (basic anti-inflammatory therapy and emergency actions in the event of an asthmatic attack) are based on the above mentioned conclusion.
The method of treatment of bronchial asthma is chosen individually for each patient depending on the severity of the disease. As a rule, the severity of the disease is determined after a full examination of the patient and analysis of the symptoms of the disease.
Mild bronchial asthma is characterized by rare attacks (1-2 times a day) which go away soon whether treated or not. Between attacks the general condition of patients with mild asthma is quite normal.
Moderate asthma is characterized by more serious attacks with involvement of cardiovascular system (e.g. palpitation). In this stage of the disease patients should use antispasmodic inhalers.
Severe asthma is characterized by frequent attacks (almost every day or 2-3 times a week) which pose threat to life and require emergency care. Patients with severe asthma suffer from short breath even between the attacks.
Basic anti-inflammatory therapy of bronchial asthma includes corticosteroids (hormonal agents) coming in tablets or inhalers. Inhalation corticosteroids are more preferable, since they have a number of advantages: the agents delivered directly to the respiratory tract work more effectively and do not cause serious side effects.
Emergency care in case of asthma attack:
1. Eliminate the causative allergen;
2. Provide fresh air access, unbutton the cloths;
3. Give the patient an inhalator with antispasmodic effect which was prescribed for him.
4. Repeat the inhalation if no effect is observed in 20 minutes;
5. Call emergency care if the asthma attack symptoms are getting worse.
An asthmatic patient should always maintain close contact with his supervising doctor. As it was mentioned, a specific plan of treatment should be worked out individually for each patient. The plan should be flexible and change depending on the severity and duration of the disease. The patient should regularly be informed about new methods of treatment by his doctor. One of the most effective methods of asthma treatment is a step therapy (different treatment for each stage of the disease). As the symptoms of the bronchial asthma get worse, a more intense therapy is prescribed. In case the symptoms improve and stay stable within 3 months, the doses of the prescribed medicines are reduced and even could be fully withdrawn. The most important goal of step therapy is achievement of prolonged remission (less frequent asthma attacks or their absence).
In the result of such an approach towards treatment of bronchial asthma it has become easier to control the disease and prevent the attacks. Due to this approach life quality of asthmatic patients has improved and their life duration increased.
As a prophylaxis of bronchial asthma professionals recommend exercising, swimming, breathing gymnastics or walking in the park in any weather. At the same time, try to avoid factors promoting development of asthma. Though, it is almost impossible to fully eliminate such allergens as animal hair, dust or pollen, you can reduce the time you contact with them by leaving the place where they are in abundance. It is recommended to change your workplace or even move to another place, in case the allergens you suffer from are associated with your occupation.
And of course, it is important to avoid inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and receive timely treatment in case you get it.