Asthma

Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, which causes attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

Symptoms

 Cough with or without sputum (phlegm) production.

Pulling in of the skin between the ribs when breathing.

Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or activity.

Wheezing -is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air flows through narrowed breathing tubes

• ·            Comes in episodes
• ·            May be worse at night or in early morning
• ·            May go away on its own
• ·            Gets better when using drugs that open the airways (bronchodilators)
• ·            Gets worse when breathing in cold air
• ·            Gets worse with exercise
• ·            Gets worse with heartburn (reflux)
• ·            Usually begins suddenly

 Emergency Symptoms

• ·                 Decreased level of alertness such as severe drowsiness or confusion, during an asthma attack
• ·                 Extreme difficulty breathing
• ·                 Rapid pulse
• ·                 Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath
• ·                 Sweating

Asthma symptoms can be substantially reduced by avoiding known triggers and substances that irritate the airways.

· Colds and viruses

· Irritants like cigarette smoke, scent, pollution 

· Cold air or change in weather

· Physical exertion 

· Allergens like dust, mite, pollen, furs

· Some medications

· Infections

Management of Asthma

·                  Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled

·                  Keep the house clean 

·                  Use hardwood floors or tile 

·                  Avoid carpets in house

·                  Avoid pets with fur or feathers 

·                  Use clean bed sheets & pillow covers 

·                  Use bed made of synthetic materials 

·                  Use air conditioner 

·                  Maintain low humidity at home 

 Treatment

 Anti-inflammatory drugs include:
a. Steroid Inhalers
b. Sodium Chromoglycate 

Inhalers / Capsules

 Bronchodilators.    Common bronchodilators include:
a. Salbutamol Inhalers
b. Terbutaline Tabs

Consult your Pulmonologist.  For references, you may visit ASTHMA FREE E-BOOKS,

R. Y. MANABAT, R.N.