Asthma involves blockage of normal airflow into and out of the lungs. The blockage develops when certain allergens or irritants are inhaled and cause a reaction in the airways. They become swollen (inflamed), produce excess mucus, and the airway muscles tighten. This leads to the wheezing and other symptoms. Asthma affects all ages but 50% of the cases are in children under age 10. Boys with asthma outnumber girls. In adult-onset asthma, women are more often affected.
• Chest tightness. Wheezing upon breathing in or out. • Coughing, especially at night, may have thick, clear or yellow sputum. • Rapid, shallow breathing that is easier with sitting up. • Breathing difficulty that gradually gets worse. • Neck and chest may be sucked in with each breath. • Severe symptoms of an asthma attack may include: - Cough that sounds tight and dry. - Rapid heartbeat and abnormal rapid rate of breathing that becomes more labored. - Can speak only a few words in one breath. - Sweating, and much anxiety and distress.
The exact cause remains unclear. Genetic factors, airway sensitivity, and environmental factors appear to play a role. Asthma attacks are due to triggers (e.g., smoke, polluted air, molds, dust, aspirin, cold air, lung infections, and others).
• Other allergies, such as eczema or hay fever. • Family history of asthma or allergies. • Exposure to air pollutants. • Obesity. • Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke. • For adults, exposure to occupational irritants (fumes, gases, latex products, metals, and others). • Low birth weight.
No specific preventive measures for original disease. Avoiding risk factors where possible may help.
• Symptoms can be controlled with treatment. • Half the children will outgrow asthma. POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS •Missed workdays or school absenteeism. • Problems of stress, depression, or anxiety. • Pneumonia, pneumothorax, or respiratory failure. • Status asthmaticus (an attack that cannot be relieved). • Poorly controlled asthma and chronic symptoms.
• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Medical tests may include x-rays, pulmonary-function tests, an exercise tolerance test, and allergy tests (usually skin testing). • Treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms. It may include daily drug therapy, drug therapy for attacks, avoiding triggers, lifestyle changes, self-care, and education. A written treatment plan is usually provided. It should be followed carefully. • Identify and avoid your particular triggering factors. • Counseling may help, if asthma is stress-related. • A peak flow meter may be used at home. It is a small device that measures how well air flows into and out of the airways. You will be instructed on its use. • Treatment (allergy shots) to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens may be recommended. • Hospital care may be required for severe attacks. • To learn more: Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, 1233 20th St., Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036; (800) 727-8462; website: www.aafa.org.
• Asthma drugs are generally divided into 2 categories: - Quick relief. These drugs are prescribed for relief of asthma exacerbations and to prevent exercised-induced asthma (EIA) symptoms. - Long-term control. These drugs are prescribed for use on a daily basis to prevent symptoms.
• Stay active. Avoid sudden bursts of activity. Sit and rest if an attack follows exercise. Sip warm water. • Swimming is a good exercise for asthma patients.
• No special diet. Avoid foods that are asthma triggers. •Drink plenty of liquids daily.
• You or a family member has symptoms of asthma. • Symptoms don’t improve, despite treatment. • Peak flow is in a zone that causes you concern.
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