Asthma |
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DefinitionAsthma is a disease that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow. It leads to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Alternative NamesBronchial asthma; Wheezing – asthma – adults CausesAsthma is caused by swelling (inflammation) in the airways. When an asthma attack occurs, the lining of the air passages swells and the muscles surrounding the airways become tight. This reduces the amount of air that can pass through the airway. In people who have sensitive airways, asthma symptoms can be triggered by breathing in substances called allergens or triggers. Common asthma triggers include:
Substances in some workplaces can also trigger asthma symptoms, leading to occupational asthma. The most common triggers are wood dust, grain dust, animal dander, fungi, or chemicals. Many people with asthma have a personal or family history of allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or eczema. Others have no history of allergies. SymptomsMost people with asthma have attacks separated by symptom-free periods. Some people have long-term shortness of breath with episodes of increased shortness of breath. Either wheezing or a cough may be the main symptom. Asthma attacks can last for minutes to days. Attacks can become dangerous if airflow is severely blocked. Symptoms of asthma include:
Emergency symptoms that need prompt medical help include:
Other symptoms that may occur:
Exams and TestsThe health care provider will use a stethoscope to listen to your lungs. Wheezing or other asthma-related sounds may be heard. Tests that may be ordered include:
TreatmentThe goals of treatment are:
You and your doctor should work as a team to manage your asthma. Follow your doctor’s instructions on taking medicines, eliminating asthma triggers, and monitoring symptoms. MEDICINES FOR ASTHMA There are two kinds of medicines for treating asthma:
LONG-TERM MEDICINES These are also called maintenance or control medicines. They are used to prevent symptoms in people with moderate to severe asthma. You must take them every day for them to work. Take them even when you feel OK. Some long-term medicines are breathed in (inhaled), such as steroids and long-acting beta-agonists. Others are taken by mouth (orally). Your doctor will prescribe the right medicine for you. QUICK-RELIEF MEDICINES These are also called rescue medicines. They are taken:
Tell your doctor if you are using quick-relief medicines twice a week or more. If so, your asthma may not be under control and your doctor may need to change your dose of daily control drugs. Quick-relief medicines include:
A severe asthma attack requires a checkup by a doctor. You may also need a hospital stay. There, you will likely be given oxygen, breathing assistance, and medicines given through a vein (IV). ASTHMA CARE AT HOME
Asthma action plans are written documents for managing asthma. An asthma action plan should include:
A peak flow meter is a simple device to measure how quickly you can move air out of your lungs.
Outlook (Prognosis)There is no cure for asthma, although symptoms sometimes improve over time. With proper self-management and medical treatment, most people with asthma can lead a normal life. Possible ComplicationsThe complications of asthma can be severe, and may include:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall for an appointment with your provider if asthma symptoms develop. Call your provider or go to the emergency room if:
Go to the emergency room if these symptoms occur:
PreventionYou can reduce asthma symptoms by avoiding triggers and substances that irritate the airways.
ReferencesCydulka RK, Bates CG. Asthma. In: Adams JG, ed. Emergency Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 48. Durrani SR, Busse WW. Management of asthma in adolescents and adults. In: Adkinson NF, Bochner BS, Burks AW, et al, eds. Middleton’s Allergy Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 55. Lugogo N, Que LG, Gilstrap DL, Kraft M. Asthma: clinical diagnosis and management. In: Broaddus VC, Mason RJ, Ernst JD, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel’s Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 42. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Rockville, MD. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2007. NIH publication 08-4051. Updated 2012. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/guidelines/asthgdln.pdf. Accessed April 29, 2015. |