Asthma can be a life-threatening disease. Asthma is derived from the Greek word “Panos,” meaning panting. Asthma is caused by inflammation in the airways. Asthma is a condition that affects the airways – the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. The result is difficulty breathing. Approximately one adult in 13 is currently being treated for asthma in the UK. Asthma attacks are not all the same—some are worse than others. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that not enough oxygen gets to vital organs. This condition is a medical emergency. People can die from severe asthma attacks. Signs of an asthmatic episode include wheezing, rapid breathing (tachypnea), prolonged expiration, a rapid heart rate (tachycardia), rhonchous lung sounds (audible through a stethoscope), and over-inflation of the chest. Respiratory infections, including the common cold . There are things in the environment that bring on your asthma symptoms and lead to asthma attacks. Some of the more common things include exercise, allergens, irritants, and viral infections.
Some people have asthma only when they exercise or have a viral infection. Sometimes certain triggers can bring on symptoms. Common triggers include house dust mite, animal fur, pollen, tobacco smoke, cold air, viral and bacterial chest infections. During very severe attacks, an asthma sufferer can turn blue from lack of oxygen, and can experience chest pain or even loss of consciousness. Approximately 14 million adults and 6 million children in the U.S. have asthma. Asthma is the most common chronic illness of childhood and a common reason for missed school days. Asthma is more common in boys than in girls. But after puberty asthma is more common in females. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your esophagus. GERD may trigger an asthma attack or make an attack worse. Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Most asthma medications work by relaxing bronchospasm (bronchodilators) or reducing inflammation (corticosteroids). Guaifenesin, an expectorant available over the counter, may have a small effect in managing thickened bronchial mucus. Theophylline and aminophylline are examples of methylxanthines. The most effective treatment for asthma is identifying triggers, such as pets or aspirin, and limiting or eliminating exposure to them. Desensitization to allergens has been shown to be a treatment option for certain patients. Corticosteroids help decrease the frequency of your attacks and reduce the need for other medications you may use to control your symptoms. Salbutamol and terbutaline inhalers are the most common relieving inhalers. They are also known as beta-2 agonists. They deliver a small dose of medicine directly to your lungs, which causes the muscles of your airways to bronchodilate (relax and open up) but do not reduce the inflammation in the airways.
Allergy-desensitization shots (immunotherapy) may help if you have allergic asthma that can’t be easily controlled by avoiding triggers. Bronchodilators are recommended for short-term relief in all patients. Short-acting, selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonists, such as salbutamol (albuterol USAN), levalbuterol, terbutaline and bitolterol. Steroid tablets may be prescribed as a short course of treatment for one or two weeks if you have a severe asthma attack. Nebulisers are sometimes used in a hospital or doctor’s surgery to give high doses of reliever medicine if you are having a severe attack. Anticholinergic medications, such as ipratropium bromide may be used instead. Antihistamines, often used to treat allergic symptoms that may underlie the chronic inflammation. In more severe cases, hyposensitization (”allergy shots”) may be recommended. Systemic steroids, oral or intravenous (prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, or hydrocortisone).