Bronchial asthma, also referred to as asthma, is a very common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties. At this time there is no cure for this chronic disorder, but there are simple treatments that can help keep the symptoms under control, so that it does not have a big impact on your life.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. In some individuals asthma symptoms are few and not frequent, but for others it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
Asthma affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also develop for the first time in adults.
What are some signs and symptoms of asthma?
The signs and symptoms of asthma might vary from one individual to another, but the main symptoms include the following:
• wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
• breathlessness
• a tight chest, which may feel like a band is tightening around it
• coughing
• trouble sleeping (caused by shortness of breath), coughing or wheezing
The symptoms can sometimes get temporarily worse. This is known as an asthma attack. If you are having an asthma attack you should seek urgent medical attention. If you have signs and symptoms suggestive of asthma you should see a doctor so that the correct diagnosis can be made. Several conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis and correct treatment.
What are some common triggers for asthma?
Individuals who suffer from asthma often identify certain things that trigger an asthma attack. These are called ‘asthma triggers’. In some cases, no trigger (s) can be identified and asthma occurs randomly. Common asthma triggers include:
• allergies – to house dust mites, animal fur or pollen
• smoke, pollution and cold air
• exercise
• infections like colds or flu
• cockroach waste or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets
Identifying and avoiding your asthma triggers can help you keep symptoms under control.
Treatment
Prevention and long-term control are key in stopping asthma attacks before they start. Treatment usually involves learning to recognize your triggers, taking steps to avoid them and tracking your breathing to make sure your daily asthma medications are keeping symptoms under control. In case of an asthma flare-up, you may need to use a quick-relief inhaler. You will need to work with your doctor to ensure your asthma is controlled. This might involve the use of various medications. Teachers and relatives should all be aware if a child suffers from asthma. Use of inhalers in school should not be prevented.
Identification of a child having a severe asthma attack is important as this individual requires urgent medical attention. Delay in treatment can result in severe complications including death. An acute asthma attack is considered a medical emergency and individuals with severe asthma attacks should not be kept waiting in an emergency room before starting immediate treatment.
If you have bronchial asthma, make sure your doctor/nurse shows you how to use the inhalers properly. Be sure to keep your rescue inhaler with you in case of an asthma attack or asthma emergency. While there is no asthma cure yet, there are excellent asthma medications that can help with preventing asthma symptoms.
Conclusion
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that occurs in children and adults as well. Signs and symptoms will vary, but all individuals with asthma should try to identify triggers for their asthma and try to minimize or avoid them. It is important that individuals with asthma work with their doctor to come up with a plan of action to bring their asthma under control. There is no cure for asthma at this time, but individuals can control their asthma symptoms and go on to live successful and healthy lives.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty-five years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
