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ASTHMA

What is Asthma ?

During an asthma attack, the muscles in the small airways contract (broncho spasm), the linings of the small airways become inflamed, and excessive mucus is produced in the small airways.All three reactions combine to narrow the airways, thus limiting the passage of air, especially during breathing out.The disorder usually begins in childhood, with about half the children outgrowing it.

SYMPTOMS

  • Chest tightness.
  • Breathing difficulty;laboured breathing in episodes. (Symptoms are worse at night.)
  • Wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing).
  • Coughing, with or without thick sputum.
  • During severe attacks, cyanosis(bluish discoloration) around the lips, sweating, and a fast pulse rate.
  • In infants, fast breathing, with the lower ribs being drawn in.

COMPLICATIONS

  • Pneumohorax (collapsed lung due to an air leak).
  • Acute respiratory failure.
  • Death.

CAUSES

Asthma is the result of a hypersensitivity reaction to stimuli, inflammation and constriction of the air passages. It is a condition due to both hereditary and environmental factors. An asthma may be provoked by:

  • Allergens (e.g., animal dander, dust, certain food and medicines,mites, mold spores, pollen, etc).
  • Viral or bacterial infections(e.g., bronchitis, common cold, coughs, sinusitis).
  • Environmental irritants (e.g., perfumes tobacco smoke).
  • Emotional stress (e.g., excitement, upheaval).
  • Strenuous exercise.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Consult your doctor or pharmacist the first time you start wheezing, or if the condition does not respond to the prescribed treatment.
  • Take the medication prescribed by the doctor (e.g. broncho dilator).Inhaled broncho dilators are usually recommended. Wait 5 minutes after an inhaled dose. Repeat if necessary.
  • Take your peak expiration flow rate.

WHAT YOUR DOCTOR/PHARMACIST CAN DO FOR YOU

  • Administer oxygen.
  • Administer a broncho dilator via nebulisation.
  • Administer oral or intravenous steriods.
  • Treat an accompanying chest infection with antibiotics.
  • Prescribe long- term anti-inflammatory treatment.
  • Teach you how to manage acute attacks,and how to use certain devices(e.g. inhaler, diskhaler) to ensure optimum benefit from them.
  • Teach you how to use a peak flow meter to monitor your asthma.

PREVENTION TIPS

  • Know what triggers the asthma attack. If possible, avoid the factors that trigger the disease.(Keep your home free of dust, animal hair, mites,etc;and stay away from irritants such as cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes,etc).
  • Stop smoking.
  • Take the medications prescribed by the doctor to reduce the frequency and severity of subsequent attacks.
  • Exercise regularly to improve lung and heart function.


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