Question

Asthma

Answer 1

Asthma is the condition of Narrowed Airways which swell up and produce extra mucus. Due to these changes breathing becomes difficult and causes coughing wheezing and shortness of breath. It can be a minor nuisance as well as a major problem that interfere with activities of daily living. Asthma cannot be cured, only if symptoms can be controlled.

Symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Sleeping trouble
• Wheezing sound on exhaling
• Coughing or wheezing attack that are worsened by cold or flu.

Causes

• airborne substances like pollen dust spores etc
• Respiratory infections such as common cold
• Physical activity
• Certain medications like beta blockers, as per him, but Profen
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Risk factors

• Having a blood relative with asthma
• Having another allergic condition like atopic dermatitis
• Overweight
• Smoker
• Exposer to occupational triggers such as chemicals used in hairdressing and manufacturing

Types of asthma

1. Childhood asthma
2. Adult onset asthma
3. Occupational asthma
4. Seasonal asthma

Diagnosis

• Physical exam which generally focus on upper respiratory tract,  just and skin. Presence of wheezing, skin conditions like eczema and Hives suggest heightened immune activity.
• Asthma test that is spirometry test which indicates functioning of lung. It measures forced vital capacity and forced Expiratory volume.
• Blood test for the allergic antibody and Eosinophils
• Provocation testing such as Methacoline challenge

treatment

• Short acting bronchodilators like albuterol provide quick relief for the symptoms
• Inhaled steroids like Albuterol, fluticasone, Beclomethasonesoon as first line anti-inflammatory therapy
• Long acting bronchodilators like salmetrol
• Leukotriene modifiers
• Anticholinergic agents like Ipratropium can decrease sputum production.
• Theophylline helps in bronchodilation.