Asthma is an illness which is caused by the inflammation of the airways causing a restriction of the airflow in and out of the lungs. The airflow is reduced when the muscles of the bronchial-tree become tight and make the lining of the air passages swell. This produces a distinctive wheezing sound.
People with asthma can have repeated wheezing attacks and then go symptom-free for a few months. It can affect people in different ways; some people may have shortness of breath, others may have a cough as a main symptom. Asthma attacks can last for days of just a few minutes. When the breathing becomes severely restricted this can be very dangerous.
Symptoms: can begin suddenly and often intermittent. They can worsen over night or early morning and when exposed to cold air, exercise and heartburn. Other symptoms include Nasal flaring, chest pains and tightness in the chest.
Emergency symptoms:· Extreme difficulty in breathing· Lips and face turning a bluish color· Pulse has a rapid beat· Sweating· Severe drowsiness during an asthma attack· Breathing becomes difficult· Breathing temporary stops.When you have any one of these symptoms check with your doctor, who must listen to your chest during an attack, since listening for wheezing sound between episodes the lungs will sound normal.
You may also have to go to tests: · Lung functioning tests· Peak flow measurements· Chest x-ray· Allergy testing· Blood tests· Arterial blood tests· White blood cell count (Eosinophil count)
Medication for the treatment of asthma:· Long term control medication should be used on a regular basis, helps to prevent the attacks, however, should not be used during an attack.·
Quick relief medication to relieve the symptoms during an attack.·
People with mild asthma may use relief medication as needed.· Those with persistent asthma can take the control medication on a regular basis.
By not monitoring your asthma regularly attacks can take you by surprise. Severe asthma attacks require medical treatment that may require hospitalization, oxygen and intervention medications.
A peak flow meter an easy to use instrument that measures lung volume can warn you of an attack coming and also show when medication is required.
Prevention: asthma symptoms can be greatly reduced by avoiding allergens and respiratory irritants such as dust mites. Cover mattresses and pillows in allergen impregnable covers remove carpets from bedrooms, and vacuum regularly. Lower indoor humidity this reduces exposure to dust mites.
If a person is allergic to an animal that cannot be removed from the home, it should be kept out of this bedroom. Use filtering materials on heating outlets to trap animal dander. Keep exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, industrial dust and irritating fumes to a minimum.
