ASTHMA - Slideshow

Developed by Krishna Bora, B.Sc. (Microbiology) | Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team

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What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that involves inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, or airways, resulting in breathing difficulty.

When inflamed the airways become highly sensitive and react adversely to certain triggers that induce the onset of an asthmatic attack.

Asthma is the most chronic childhood disease affecting 1 in 15 children. Its incidence, among adults too, has increased dramatically in the recent years.

Normal airway

Air is inhaled through the nostrils and mouth and enters the air sacs in the lungs through the bronchial tubes.

Asthma affects Breathing

During an asthma attack the bronchial tubes become narrow due to

► Inflammation - due to response to an allergen.

► Bronchospasm - causing airway constriction.

► Hyperactivity - Inflammation causes the bronchial tubes to become very sensitive to 'triggers' causing further inflammation.

Asthma triggers - Allergens

► Pollens from seasonal plants and trees

► Dust mites, pets, molds and insect parts

► Foods- eggs, fish, nuts, peanuts, soy, cow's milk

► Latex

► Additives

Asthma triggers - Irritants

► Respiratory infections

► GERD

► Weather changes

► Exercising

► Emotional / Hormonal factors

► Certain medications

► Smoke, Perfumes, deodorants, paints, detergents

Types

► Extrinsic, or allergic asthma, form 90% of all asthma cases.It typically starts during childhood and can go into remission during early adulthood, only to reappear later.

► Intrinsic or non-allergic asthma, develops during adulthood and is present in 10% of all cases.The condition usually appears after a respiratory infection, is chronic and is often difficult to treat

Symptoms

► Shortness of breath

► Chest tightness

► Wheezing

► Persistent coughing

Sudden Asthma Attack

A sudden, or acute asthma attack, occurs after an episode of allergen exposure or after an upper respiratory tract infection.

It does not,usually, respond to the regular medications and could be life-threatening.

During an acute asthma attack, emergency medical attention must be sought, at the earliest

Diagnosis

The following tests help to diagnose asthma -

► Lung Function Test(LFT)

► Chest X -ray

► Allergy tests

► Other blood tests to detect level of IgE, present in increased amounts during allergy

Treatment

► Common asthma treatments include -

► Avoidance of asthma - precipitating triggers

► Oral or Inhaled medications - the latter are usually preferred

► Inhalers / bronchodilators

Make sure you get the right treatment. Remember, life with asthma is possible!