Asthma
- Posted Category : Articles
- 2 May 2018
The aim of World Asthma Day is to raise awareness, care and support for those affected by asthma. Whilst the primary focus is supporting the person with asthma, support may also extend to family, friends and caregivers.
Asthma is a major noncommunicable disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. Symptoms may occur several times in a day or week in affected individuals, and for some people become worse during physical activity or at night. During an asthma attack, the lining of the bronchial tubes swells, causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Recurrent asthma symptoms frequently cause sleeplessness, daytime fatigue, reduced activity levels and school and work absenteeism. Asthma has a relatively low fatality rate compared to other chronic diseases. WHO estimates that 235 million people currently suffer from asthma around the world. Also asthma is the most common noncommunicable disease among children, but most deaths occur in older adults. Asthma is a public health problem not just for high-income countries; it occurs in all countries regardless of the level of development, but most asthma-related deaths occur in low- and lower-middle income countries. Asthma is under-diagnosed and under-treated, and creates substantial burden to individuals and families and often restricts individuals’ activities for a lifetime.
The causes of asthma are not completely understood. But there are risk factors for developing asthma which a combination of genetic predisposition with environmental exposure to inhaled substances and particles that may provoke allergic reactions or irritate the airways, such as: indoor allergens (for example, house dust mites in bedding, carpets and stuffed furniture, pollution and pet dander), outdoor allergens (such as pollens and moulds), tobacco smoke, chemical irritants in the workplace, and air pollution. Other triggers can include cold air, extreme emotional arousal such as anger or fear, and physical exercise. Even certain medications can trigger asthma: aspirin and other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, and beta-blockers (which are used to treat high blood pressure, heart conditions and migraine).
Diagnosis of asthma depend on symptoms, physical examination and investigations which are: lung (pulmonary) function tests (Spirometry and Peak flow meter), Methacholine challenge, Nitric oxide test, Imaging tests (chest X-ray, high-resolution computerized tomography (CT) scan of lungs), Allergy testing, Sputum eosinophils and Provocative testing for exercise and cold-induced asthma.
Although asthma cannot be cured, appropriate management can control the disease and enable people to enjoy a good quality of life. Short-term medications are used to relieve symptoms. Medications such as inhaled corticosteroids are needed to control the progression of severe asthma and reduce asthma exacerbation and deaths. People with persistent symptoms must take long-term medication daily to control the underlying inflammation and prevent symptoms and exacerbations. Inadequate access to medicines and health services is one of the important reasons for the poor control of asthma in many settings. Medication is not the only way to control asthma. It is also important to avoid asthma triggers - stimuli that irritate and inflame the airways. With medical support, each asthma patient must learn what triggers he or she should avoid.
Lifestyle modification is an important aspect of asthma management. Avoid asthma triggers, maintain optimal humidity, clean home or work place regularly, avoid cold weather, get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
PMA_SA
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