|
| What is it? |
| A chronic disorder with recurrent attacks of wheezing and shortness of breath. |
| It affects all ages but 50% of the cases are in children under age 10 (more common in males). In adult onset asthma, females are more often affected than males. |
|
| Causes |
| Hypersensitivity reactions in air passages result in overactivity and spasm, followed by swelling of the passages and thickening of lung secretions (sputum). This decreases or closes off air to the lungs. These changes are caused by: |
| Allergens, such as pollen, dust, animal dander, molds and some foods. |
| Lung infections such as bronchitis. |
| Air irritants, such as smoke and odors. |
| Exposure to occupational chemicals or other materials. |
|
| Sign and Symptoms |
| * Chest tightness and shortness of breath. |
| * Wheezing upon breathing out. |
| * Coughing, especially at night, with little sputum. |
| * Neck muscles tighten. |
| Severe symptoms of acute attack: |
| * Bluish skin. |
| * Exhaustion. |
| * Grunting respiration. |
| * Inability to speak. |
| * Mental changes, including restlessness or confusion. |
|
| Risk Factors |
| * Other allergic conditions, such as eczema or hay fever. |
| * Family history of asthma or allergies. |
| * Exposure to air pollutants. |
| * Smoking . |
| * Use of drugs such as aspirin. |
| * Stresses (viral infection, exercise, emotional upset, noxious odors, tobacco smoke). |
|
| Prevention |
| * Avoid known allergens and air pollutants. |
| * Take prescribed preventive medicines regularly; don't omit them when you feel well. |
| * Avoid aspirin. |
| * Investigate and avoid triggering factors. |
| * |
| |
| Diagnosis and Treatment |
| General Measures |
| * Diagnostic test may include laboratory blood studies, pulmonary-function tests and allergy testing, usually with skin tests. |
| * Emergency-room care and hospitalization for severe attacks. |
| * Counseling, if asthma is stress-related. |
| * Eliminate allergens and irritants at home and a work, if possible. Treatment for desensitizing to specific allergens. |
| * Keep regular medications with you at all times. |
| * Sit upright during attacks. |
| * Stay indoors as much as possible during high allergen times. |
|
| Medications |
| * Bronchodilators to open air passages. |
| * Intravenous cortisone drugs (emergencies only) to decrease the body's allergic response. |
| * Cortisone drugs by nebulizer, which have fewer adverse reactions than oral forms. |
| * Antihistamines cromolyn sodium or nedocromil by nebulizer. (These are preventive drugs.) |
|
| Activity |
| * Stay active, but avoid sudden bursts of exercise. If an attack follows heavy exercise, sit and rest. Sip warm water. |
| * Treatment with bronchodilators often prevents exercise-caused asthma. |
| * Swimming is perhaps the best exercise for asthma patients. |
| |
| Diet |
| * No special diet, but avoid foods to which you are sensitive. |
| * Drink at least 3 quarts of liquid daily to keep secretions loose. |
|
| Possible Complications |
| * Respiratory failure. |
| * Pneumothorax. |
| * Lung infection and chronic lung problems from recurrent attacks. |
| |
| Prognosis |
| * Symptoms can be controlled with treatment and strict adherence to prevention measures. |
| * Half the children will outgrow asthma. |
| * Without treatment, severe attacks can be fatal. |
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