Asthma: causes, symptoms, remedies

It is a chronic inflammation of the airways, especially the bronchi, which generates hypersensitivity.

What is it

It is a chronic inflammation of the airways, especially the bronchi, which generates a hypersensitivity to a series of stimuli that leads, in turn, to temporary obstruction of the bronchi and difficulty breathing.

Obstruction of the airways is due to a spasm of the bronchial musculature, edema (swelling) of the mucous membrane of the airways, and increased mucus secretion, which also turns out more often.

Causes

Most cases of asthma are due to an allergy to substances that can be inhaled. It can also occur following chronic exposure to irritants.

Viral and bacterial airway infections also appear to be, in some cases, at the origin of the disease.

If you want to know more about the relationship that exists between asthma and flu read this article.

The asthmatic crisis can also be triggered by intense physical exertion, temperature changes and strong emotional stress.

Although rare, there is also a form of asthma, called idiopathic, whose origin is unknown.

Common symptoms

The main symptom is difficulty breathing (dyspnea), with wheezing. Breathing is short and fast and tachycardia and anxiety can also be accompanied.

In severe cases during an attack, asthma sufferers may not be able to speak more than a few words at a time and the skin may take on a pale bluish color (cyanosis).

Complications

If not properly controlled, asthma can gradually worsen. From an intermittent mild form you can move to the permanent mild form, then to the moderate one and then to severe asthma.

Finally, we can get to the so-called asthmatic disease with serious, frequent and long seizures that do not respond to the administration of antiasthmatic drugs.

Asthmatics are at increased risk of emphysema. Although rarely, a particularly severe crisis can cause emphysema, pneumothorax, pulmonary heart.

Treatment

Asthma usually requires continuous treatment, in order to avoid both severe seizures and worsening of the disease.

For allergic asthma, as for all allergies, it is good to avoid exposure to substances that can trigger crises.

If the triggering allergen has been accurately identified, a desensitization therapy (vaccine) can be attempted.

To cope with an acute crisis, fast-acting bronchodilators such as beta-agonists (salbutamol, terbutaline) are used, which are taken as a spray. In some cases, theophylline can be administered via the venous route.

To decrease the frequency of seizures, long-acting bronchodilators (such as salmeterol and formoterol) are used inhaled, often in combination with corticosteroids.

For long-term control of the disease, drugs such as cromoglycate and leukotriene inhibitors (montelukast) are used, which do not act on the dilation of the bronchi but on the cells that promote inflammation.

Oral or injected cortisone medications are used only in severe cases and for limited periods due to their side effects.

If you want to know more about these drugs read the Antiasthmatic tab.

When to consult your doctor

In the presence of asthma symptoms it is always good to consult a doctor because failure or inadequate treatment can lead to a worsening of the situation.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

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