Asthma
Introduction / Overview
Asthma is a disease that causes swelling of the bronchial tubes. As the tubes swell, they become tighter and mucus increases. Airways become blocked with mucus and it starts to become harder and harder to breathe. This causes symptoms of bronchial asthma such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Asthma symptoms can be relatively minor or very serious, depending on the severity of the disease. The most common symptoms are a wheezing noise when breathing which can get worse and worse, a tight feeling in the chest, shortness of breath, coughing and waking up in the middle of the night with trouble breathing.
If you have asthma symptoms, you will have to see a doctor for diagnosis. Lung tests might be needed or a methacholine test which is a trigger for asthma. If asthma symptoms are triggered and a bronchodilator helps to alleviate them, you will most likely get a diagnosis of asthma. Other times a test for nitrous oxide can determine or you have asthma or not. There are several levels of asthma from mild to persistant. We have chosen the following books we feel may help you understand Asthma better:
Known Causes
Many different things can trigger asthma attacks. Some of the most common are allergens which travel through the air, such as pollen, mold, or the dander that dogs give off. Sometimes activities which are physical, such as running and bicycling, can trigger asthma, as can smoking, NSAIDS–non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, food additives, or allergies to food or other substances. Viruses, such as from a cold or the flu can also set off an asthma attack.
Treatments / Procedures
There are a couple of different types of asthma treatment. Medications are taken every day to reduce any inflammation which is present in the bronchial tubes. These meds are supposed to keep asthma symptoms at bay. The most well-known are the corticosteroids, which are inhaled, although there are meds in pill form as well. Then, there are fast-acting medications which are usually taken through an inhaler. If you do experience asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath or wheezing, a few whiffs from these in an inhaler, should alleviate the symptoms. If your asthma is mainly from allergies, there are many asthma and allergy medications which are helpful as well.
Prevention / Vaccination
After an asthma diagnosis, you should work with your doctor to develop a long-term treatment plan. The most important thing you can do is to figure out what triggers your asthma attacks and do everything you can to prevent them. For instance, if you live in cities where pollution is a problem, stay inside on days when the air pollution is especially bad. Pay attention to your breathing so that you can immediately recognize wheezing or shortness of breath before it gets out of control. Also, don’t let your guard down just because you are not having frequent asthma attacks. It’s still critical to take your meds and have your inhaler ready to go. If you are diagnosed with [insert disease], it is very important to wear a medic alert bracelet or carry a medical ID card identifying your disease, meds, and who to call in case of emergency.
Prognosis / Management
Asthma can usually be well-managed by medications. There are several things you can do at home to make attacks less frequent. Keep track of the humidity levels and use a dehumidifier if needed to keep them low. During pollen season, use an air conditioner so you don’t have to open the windows. If you do have dogs or cats, keep their fur clean and well-groomed so they don’t spread too much pet dander. Clean your house regularly to avoid triggering your asthma. Eating healthy and exercising are good for the management of asthma just as they are for diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses.
Alternative Treatments & Products
Some people do use alternative treatments to manage asthma. Some breathing exercises, such as yoga or the Buteyko technique, which helps you to inhale and exhale fewer times, can be beneficial for asthma. So can foods such as vegetables and fruits, especially those rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Herbal asthma remedies are another area of alternative treatments.
Several herbs used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine have been shown to have some benefits in the treatment of asthma. A few of these include ginkgo extract, choline, Boswellia serrata, dried ivy and butterbur. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking herbal treatments because they can sometimes interact badly with prescription medicines. Relaxation techniques, acupuncture, breathing exercises, and massage are all being studied in relation to asthma treatments.