What is ASTHMA?

Asthma is a chronic, ongoing lung disease marked by acute

flare-ups or attacks of difficulty with breathing. Asthma is a disease of the lower respiratory track. Its Characteristics include inflammation of the airways in the lungs. Asthma is a chronic disease that is not curable, but with regular medical care and consistent patient compliance with treatments, asthma attacks can successfully be minimized in occurrence, length and severity. It is a common disease that can happen at any age but most often occurs during childhood and can continue into adulthood. Asthma is often associated with allergies and most people with asthma also have allergies.

 People with asthma who is associated with allergies their

disease is often called as ALLERGIC ASTHMA or ALLERGYINDUCED ASTHMA. People most at risk for developing asthma include young children who frequently experience colds or other respiratory infections, such as Bronchitis. Asthma can also develop from occupational exposure to irritating chemicals. Air pollution, smoking and second hand exposure to smoke also contribute to the risk of developing asthma or experiencing a worsening of asthma symptoms. REMEMBER: There is no cure for asthma, although some children may grow out of the condition. With an individualized treatment plan that best fits the type and severity of asthma and a person's life style, asthma can be successfully treated.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ASTHMA
Inflammation of the airways in the lungs Inflammations of Bronchioles (small hollow passageways that branch off the main airway from the mouth and nose. ) 3) Inflammations of Alveoli (tiny hollow structures in the lungs where oxygen is absorbed in to the bloodstream.) 4) In asthma, bronchioles and alveoli become inflamed, irritated and swollen, blocking the flow of air into the lungs. 5) The surrounding muscles react by tightening and further blocking the flow of oxygen into the lungs and bloodstream. 6) The airway also begins to make more mucus than normal, which further blocks the airways and compounds the problem with the intake of air.
1) 2)

TYPES OF ASTHMA
I. II. III. IV. V.

Allergic Asthma Exercise-induced Asthma Nocturnal Asthma Occupational Asthma Cough-variant Asthma I. Allergic Asthma

It is also known as allergy-induced asthma. People with this type of asthma usually have allergies. These people are exposure to an allergen, a substance that triggers an allergic reaction such as animal dander, will also trigger asthma symptoms.

II. Exercise-induced Asthma

It is generally accepted that, under regular medical supervision, most people with asthma can and should exercise. NOTE: It is generally accepted that, under regular medical supervision, most people with asthma can and should exercise.

III. Nocturnal asthma

This type of asthma occurs when asthmatic symptoms occur at night. Asthma symptoms are more likely to occur at night. Occupational asthma is due to exposure to irritating chemicals. (Often at work) Cough-variant asthma is a form of asthma in which a dry, irritating cough is the most prominent symptom.

IV. Occupational asthma

V. Cough-variant asthma

QUICK NOTE:
Not all symptoms of asthma are always related to asthma. Although wheezing, a whistling sound made during breathing, is typical of asthma, wheezing and symptoms such as chest tightness coughing, and shortness of breath can be due to many conditions, such as bronchitis, colds, or even serious cardiovascular conditions, such as congestive heart failure. Only a thorough evaluation by a professional health care provider can determine what is causing and how to treat your particular symptoms.

Symptoms of Asthma
Asthma symptoms can range from mild to life threatening. The hallmark symptoms include shortness of breath and wheezing. 1.Wheezing -is a whistling sound that is created as air is forced through the narrowed airways in the lungs of a person with asthma. Wheezing is often heard when a person with asthma exhales, but may also be heard when a person inhales. Some wheezing can be heard by the naked ear, but it is not unusual to need to use a stethoscope to hear it. In severe cases, it may be difficult to hear wheezing because the airways have become so narrowed that there is not enough air moving through them to create the sound.

Early signs of an asthma attack can be subtle and can include restless, anxiety, and wheezing that cannot be heard by the naked ear. REMEMBER THAT: Asthma symptoms are generally more likely to occur at night. Serious complications of asthma include pneumonia and hypoxia (low levels of oxygen in the blood.) The most serious complications is respiratory arrest, which is fatal if not treated immediately. Now a days, typical symptoms of asthma include chest tightness, cough, anxiety, restlessness, pallor of the skin, and a "retracting" of the muscles around the rib cage. Remember that, when retractions happen, the ribcage appears to be working very hard and the muscles in and above it appear to be "sucking in" with every breath.

SUMMARY:

Symptoms of an asthma attack:

Coughing Wheezing Shortness of breath Chest tightness anxiety, restlessness, pallor of the skin retracting" of the muscles around the rib cage Respiratory arrest

CAUSES OF ASTHMA
Although asthma is only slightly more prevalent among minority children than among whites, it accounts for three times the number of deaths. Low socioeconomic status, exposure to urban environmental contaminants, lack of access to medical care, and lack of selfmanagement skills all contribute to the increase in deaths in minority communities.
The list of risk factors mentioned for Asthma in various sources includes:

Low socioeconomic status Poverty Substandard housing Indoor allergens Lack of education Inadequate access to health care

Poverty, substandard housing that increases exposure to certain indoor allergens, lack of education, inadequate access to health care, and the failure to take appropriate prescribed medications may all increase the risk of having a severe asthma attack or, more tragically, of dying from asthma. Here is a list of risk factors for asthmatic people: A special CT scan to image asthma effects Asthma genes prevent against brain cancer Asthmatics have poor adherence to medication following hospitalisation Bakery workers more prone to asthma symptoms Bushfires may pose risk to asthma sufferers Change in climate to greatly affect health Exposure to indoor pool airborne chemicals may increase asthma risk in children Exposure to mould increases risk of childhood asthma

 Flu vaccination recommended for children with conditions High levels of vitamin C in breast milk linked to lower allergy

risk High salt consumption can cause a range of health problems Household chemical linked to asthma risk Link between asthma and increased risk of bacterial complications Maternal smoking influences adult asthma Snoring children have higher prevalence of asthma Study linking asthma to use of cleaning products is misleading says The Soap and Detergent Association Study proves that exclusive breastfeeding has protective effect against asthma Vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy may increase the risk of wheezing but vitamin E may decrease the risk

DIAGNOSIS TEST FOR ASTHMA

A diagnosis of asthma is made only after a complete evaluation, history, and physical is done by a health care professional. This will help to determine the type and severity of asthma you have and the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for you. Diagnostic testing can include lung function tests, such as a spirometry, which measures how much air you are able to move in and out of your lungs. This easy, painless, and noninvasive breathing test is often done regularly to monitor how well treatments are working. A chest X-ray may be done, which can evaluate a number of factors, including the presence of other conditions that may occur with or without asthma symptoms, such as pneumonia, and bronchitis. A bronchoprovocation test may also be performed to measure lung function after a variety of factors that potentially provoke asthma symptoms are introduced to the patient. Allergy testing is also commonly performed to determine a person's individual sensitivities to allergens, substances that trigger an allergic reaction that can result in asthma symptoms.

TREAMENT FOR ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic disease that is NOT CURABLE but with regular medical care and consistent patient compliance with treatments, asthma attacks can successfully be minimized in occurrence, length and severity. The treatment goal for asthma patients is to control symptoms to a degree that allows them to live normal, active lives and to sleep comfortably. The most effect asthma treatment plans include a multifaceted approach. This includes preventive care, which is vital in minimizing asthma attacks. Because people with asthma often have allergies as well, their lungs can be extremely sensitive to allergens, substances that trigger allergies. In these people, exposure to allergens can result in an exacerbation of asthma symptoms that can become life threatening if not addressed promptly. Prevention includes reducing exposure to specific allergens, such as animal fur and dander, pollen, and dust.

People with asthma need to be consistently "on top of" their disease and not let preventive care and treatments fall to the wayside when they are feeling good or have not had an exacerbation in a long time. This includes keeping a log or record of asthma symptoms, such as the types of symptoms, when they occurred, what seemed to trigger them, how long they lasted, how severe they were, and what treatment was needed to resolve symptoms. In conjunction with your professional health care provider, you will develop an individualized treatment plan that best fits your type and severity of asthma and your life style. The most effect treatment plans include a multifaceted approach.

Asthma is also treated with medications. Medications include long-term agents that control and prevent symptoms. Long-term medications must taken daily in a consistent manner to effectively control and prevent symptoms. They generally work by reducing airway inflammation. TYPES OF LONG-TERM MEDICATION: -Inhaler -corticosteroids

LONG TERM MEDICATIONSMEDICATION Corticosteroids Corticosteroids can be very effective, although they do have some side effects, such as an increased risk of infection. However, for many patients the benefits of reducing airway inflammation are greater than the risks of side effects. Inhaler Other long-term medications can be taken orally or through an inhaler. They work by reducing airway inflammation or helping to open airways and include inhaled LONG-ACTING beta2agonists, leukotriene modifiers, cromolyn, nedocromil, and theophylline.

Medications also include "rescue" or quick-relief medications that treat acute symptoms. RESCUE MEDICATION: They are inhaled through a device called an inhaler, and are used on-the-spot when needed when a person feels the sudden onset of asthma symptoms. Rescue medications include SHORT-ACTING beta2-agonists. Although people with asthma should carry their rescue medications with them at all times, the medications ARE NOT MEANT to be used frequently or regularly. Generally, if rescue medications are being used more than twice a week, the physician or health care professional should be notified. He or she will evaluate the long-term asthma treatment plan and make adjustments to minimize the need for rescue medication.

Treatment List for Asthma

NOTE: ALWAYS SEEK PROFFESIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

Hospitalization Anti-inflammatory agents Long-term asthma medications

Inhaled steroids Oral steroids Cromolyn Nedocromil Inhaled long-acting beta-2 agonists Sustained-release theophylline Sustained-release beta-2 agonists Zileuton Zafirlukast

Quick relief asthma treatments

Metered dose inhaler Inhaled Short-Acting Beta2 Agonists Inhaled Anticholinergics Oral Steroids

Peak flow meter (helps to monitor how well treatment is performing.) Exercise (only under medical supervision. )

Bronchodilators Cessation of smoking Corticosteroids Salbutamol Terbutaline Salmeterol Iprtropium bromide Oxygen therapy Antibiotics Cephalosporins Penicillin

 Management of asthma, and medications used to prevent and treat symptoms

depends on the frequency and severity of symptoms. Treatments for asthma include: Avoidance of triggers - certain medications, pollens, dust etc Avoidance of cigarette smoking - smoking cessation and avoidance of others smoking Utilisation of an asthma action plan and self monitoring Reliever medications for symptomatic relief: Short acting beta2 agonists - salbutamol, terbutaline Ipratropium Oral corticosteroids often used in short courses for moderate to severe exacerbations Preventer drugs: Inhaled corticosteroids - beclomethasone, budesonide, ciclesonide, fluticasone Long acting beta agonists - salmeterol, eformotorol - should always be used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids Cromolyns - cromoglycate and nedocromil - sometimes used in children Leukotriene receptor antagonists - montelukast, zafirlukast - useful for seasonal asthma and may reduce dose of inhaled steroids Controlled release theophylline - sometimes used in severe persistent asthma

 Avoid allergens Mast cell stabilisers Severe asthma requires hospitalisation and treatment may include: Continuous high flow oxygen

Continuous or frequent nebulised beta agonists Steroids - intravenous and oral Intravenous salbutamol Intravenous adrenaline Intubation and ventilation - used as a last resort for exhaustion related to severe asthma, or respiratory arrest Allergen testing and desensitisation - may have a role in patients with a strong atopic component, but its use is controversial Omalizumab - monoclonal antibody that may have a role in allergic asthma, but more data is required to define its place in asthma management Alternative therapies that some people utilize to alleviate symptoms include: acupuncture, ayruvedic medicine, chiropractic manipulation, massage, hypnosis, exercise, herbal medicines, vitamin supplements, stress reduction and dietary changes Evidence for efficacy of these approaches is variable

Avoiding triggers or exacerbating factors

Avoid cigarette smoke Avoid dust mites Avoid animal dander Avoid cockroaches Avoid vaccuuming - get someone else to do it. Avoid indoor mold Avoid pollen Avoid outdoor mold Avoid fire smoke Avoid animals Avoid strong odors - such as perfumes or cleaning products. Avoid flu - get a flu vaccination and/or avoid people with the flu. Avoid sulfites - in certain foods such as beer, wine, seafood, etc. Avoid cold air Avoid cross-reaction asthma effects of other medications