Asthma is a disease characterized by a more or less critical inflammation of the respiratory tract, bronchi, bronchioles. It results in difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in the chest. Asthma is a chronic disease, most often manifested by seizures interspersed with periods when breathing is normal. In some people, however, asthma induces permanent respiratory discomfort interfering with daily activities. Asthma is often linked to an abnormal airway reaction to various stimuli (allergens in the air, smoke, etc.).
The asthma attack corresponds to the sudden aggravation of the symptoms. Among many people, asthma manifests itself in occasional seizures; breathing is normal outside crises. An attack of asthma often begins with a dry cough, followed by difficulty breathing, which causes a clearly audible wheeze. It is usually accompanied by expectorations of mucus (cough and sputum). During a crisis, the opening of the bronchi reduced due to a significant inflammatory reaction and contraction of muscles of the bronchial wall. Seizures effectively quenched by drugs. However, they are potentially dangerous, especially in frail people (elderly, suffering from a respiratory infection, etc.).
Since the 1960s, asthma increasing steadily in industrialized countries, and it was estimated that between 5% and 10% of the French population, about 5 million people have asthma to varying degrees (6, 7% in 2009). Women appear slightly more affected than men (9.4% vs. 6.7%). Two periods of life seem more conducive to the onset of asthma: childhood and early forties. One in eight children (8-12% of children aged 11 and under) have asthma symptoms. This is the first chronic illness of the child. Fortunately, about half of these children will become completely asymptomatic during adolescence. They will still be at risk.
The causes of asthma are not well-known, although it is known that there are both genetic and environmental risk factors. Inflammation of the airways results in the production of thick mucus inside the bronchi, which interferes with air circulation. At the same time, the muscles around the bronchi contract, resulting in the “closure” of the bronchi (bronchospasm). This is what causes respiratory discomfort. Asthma is associated with respiratory allergies in about 80% of cases, but it is not always of allergic origin. In people with asthma, excessive bronchial sensitivity (hyperactivity) associated with one or more substances.
The following factors may help trigger an asthma attack or aggravate respiratory discomfort, but they are not the cause of asthma.
In some people, asthma attacks are rare and do not have a severe impact on everyday life. However, asthma can become more severe when seizures are frequent and symptoms intense. In some cases, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath persist even between seizures.
Here are some signs of severe or poorly controlled asthma:
Poorly controlled asthma can cause permanent symptoms. Exceptionally, it’s complicated with respiratory distress and endangers the lives of the people who suffer from it. Each year in France, approximately 500 adults die as a result of an asthma attack. Most of these deaths could be prevented by good disease management. Thus, the vast majority of people with asthma can live quite normally, provided they follow their treatment well. Moreover, it is rare for crises to occur suddenly without a harbinger. Learning to recognize these signs helps to act in time to reduce the severity of crises.
Symptoms range between intermittent or persistent. They can appear after physical exercise or in the presence of another trigger, and they are usually more pronounced at night and early in the morning.
Note. For some people, asthma only results in a persistent cough that often appears at bedtime or after physical exertion.
In the event of an asthma attack, the symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, and sputum become worse. If, in addition, the following symptoms are present, it is imperative to call the rescue or to go to the emergency, to control the crisis as soon as possible:
The increase in the number of asthmatics in recent decades attributable to the following external factors:
The treatments intended to eliminate the symptoms of asthma, but in some people, asthma remains a chronic disease with periods alternating improvement and aggravation. Sometimes, asthma disappears after adolescence, especially if appropriately treated in childhood and if there is no allergic ground. At present, the only recognized preventive measure is to avoid active and passive smoking. Tobacco smoke irritates the airways, creating a breeding ground for respiratory diseases. There is now no known measure to prevent asthma; There is no medical consensus in this regard. Eating fibers contained in fruits and vegetables in good quantities could help prevent asthma.
The development of asthma would depend on a number of fruits and vegetables consumed. Intestinal bacteria ferment dietary fiber in the digestive tract from fruits and vegetables. This helps transport fatty acids in the blood that influence the immune response of the lungs. that’s demonstrated in mice who would have this type of reaction, the same functioning as humans. Breastfeeding also provides some protection against asthma. It appears to relate to allergenic products, which, when consumed by the mother during breastfeeding, pass into the milk, resulting in tolerance to these allergenic substances. Various avenues of prevention explored concerning asthma caused by allergies. To know them, consult our Allergies card.
It is possible to detect asthma at the beginning of its appearance through spirometry tests. These are measurements of the capacity of the lungs (e.g., volumes and air flows in the lungs at inhalation and exhalation), using a spirometer. For the patient, it is enough to blow in a small electronic device equipped with a tip. Spirometry has been used for several years in the diagnosis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This examination is carried out by prescription of the attending physician, a pulmonologist, or a hospital.
Asthma is often a chronic condition that requires regular treatment, even between seizures. Medications to control asthma do not provide permanent healing. They facilitate breathing by increasing the opening of the bronchi (bronchodilation) and reducing inflammation. Most of them are taken by inhalation, allowing them to act quickly, with as few adverse effects as possible. The doctor also tries to give the smallest dose of drugs for symptom control with the best tolerance of the treatment.
Yet, despite the effectiveness of treatments, 6 out of 10 asthmatic people fail to control their symptoms. The leading causes are a poor understanding of the disease, fear of side effects, and forgetting of drugs. However, the side effects of inhalation treatments are minimal compared to the risks associated with severe and frequent asthma attacks.
Inhalation technique: The use of inhalers seems simple, but it requires a certain technique, effective. Less than half of asthmatics use their inhaler correctly.
The different inhalers (metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and nebulizers) each have a particular mode of use. The doctor and the pharmacist can explain the right actions.
The asthmatic person is increasingly involved in the monitoring of his respiratory condition. For example, people with severe asthma can measure their peak flow to adjust their treatment according to the results. Training must follow beforehand.
There are two categories of medications to control the symptoms of asthma. The first, called crisis or relief medicines, is taken in case of symptoms. They have an immediate relief action but do not allow for calming the bronchial inflammation. The other drugs constitute control or background treatment that’s taken every day, even in the absence of respiratory discomfort as soon as asthma is moderate and persistent. They reduce the inflammation of the bronchi and spacing the seizures. If they are not taken regularly, the frequency and severity of seizures increase, as well as the need for emergency medicine.
Many people with asthma do not fully understand the difference between crisis treatment and control treatment. Make sure you know what each of your medications is for and how often you should use them.
Unleash your inner artist with our meticulously crafted Halloween Costume Bob Ross - experience the…
Learn the secrets to deep clean your house quickly and efficiently. Follow our expert guidelines…
Discover the top Cybersecurity Trends shaping remote work in 2024. Protect your business from emerging…
Explore how Generative AI industries are poised to revolutionize sectors from healthcare to finance and…
Whether you like to run to have proper training for your body or you want…
Cucumber has many health benefits and virtues. Rich in water, this vegetable provides vitamin C,…