Asthma is a broad term describing the chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs. An asthma attack causes narrowing of the airways and mucus builds up inside the lungs thereby restricting air flow through to the lung tissues. This results in common symptoms like coughing and wheezing (a whistling sound when you breeze), chest tightness and difficulty in breathing. First asthma attacks can occur at any age although it is common in infants.
Trigger Factors
There are a number of possible trigger factors which may cause an asthma attack in susceptible individuals. Examples:
- Allergens such as pollens, mould spores, dust mites, animal dander, saliva and urine, cockroaches.
- Cold, dry air.
- Weather changes.
- chest infections.
- Exercise.
- Stress, anxiety.
- Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, beta receptors blocking agents such as atenolol.
- Air pollution from domestic and industrial sources.
- Irritants such as cigarette smoke, strong odour from paint.
- Sulfites in dried fruits and wine
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of asthma is usually made by a combination of a full history from the individual together with lung function tests before and after the administration of air way expanding medications. Asthma can run in the family. An asthmatic usually also has a history of eczema and/or hayfever or such a history within the close family.
Treatment
Asthma medications can be divided into three types, relievers, preventers or symptoms controllers.
An asthma attack with the resulting narrowing of the air ways can happen very quickly. It can also be relieved just as quickly by using the reliever medications. An asthma reliever medication works by relaxing the muscles around the breathing tubes, thereby widening the airways. It is used on an if-required basis in the event of an asthma attack. Asthma relievers usually come in a blue container. E.g. Ventolin or Bricanyl
A preventer medication on the other hand should be used on a daily basis, even when you feel well. It works by preventing your airways from narrowing upon exposure to allergens. Asthma preventers usually come in a brown container. E.g. Flixotide, Pulmicort
Symptoms controllers are taken on a twice daily basis to keep the muscles relaxed. They are the same class of medicines as the relievers which work by widening the airways. But symptoms controllers take longer to work therefore are not suitable in the event of an asthma attack. They main beneficial effect is that their duration of action generally last for about twelve hours therefore their use as symptoms controllers. They however can not replace the preventer medications. E.g. Oxis, Serevent.
Some people only experience mild and infrequent asthma. In these people, a reliever is all they need. However, if they wheeze or have other asthma attack symptoms more than once a month, then it is recommended that they use a preventer.
Self Help
Exercise regularly and keep fit. Avoid trigger factors and do not smoke. If you need help to quit smoking, speak to your pharmacy. There are effective over the counter medications such as Nicorette and Nicobrevin to assist with smoking cessation. Alternatively call the toll free QUITLINE 0800 778 778 for advice. Formulate a Self Management Plan with your doctor. A Self Management Plan outlines clearly what to do when asthma starts to get worse thereby preventing an asthma attack.
Most people with asthma can lead a full life if they avoid the trigger factors, understand their asthma symptoms and use their asthma medicines according to their Self Management Plan.
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