Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult. It often involves hyper-responsiveness of the airways to various triggers.
Common Symptoms:
- Wheezing (a whistling sound during breathing).
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest tightness.
- Coughing, especially at night or early morning.
- Symptoms can worsen with exercise, cold air, allergens, irritants (smoke), or respiratory infections.
Diagnosis:
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Medical History & Physical Exam:
Discussion of symptoms, triggers, and family history.
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Lung Function Tests (Spirometry):
Measures how much air you can exhale and how quickly, often before and after using a bronchodilator.
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Peak Flow Monitoring:
Measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs.
Care & Treatment:
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Trigger Avoidance:
Identifying and avoiding triggers (allergens, irritants, exercise in cold air).
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Medications:
1.Reliever (Rescue) Inhalers (Short-acting Beta-agonists - SABAs): Provide quick relief of symptoms during an asthma attack by relaxing airway muscles.
2. Controller (Maintenance) Inhalers (Inhaled Corticosteroids - ICS): Taken daily to reduce airway inflammation and prevent attacks.
3. Long-acting Beta-agonists (LABAs): Used in combination with ICS for better control.
4. Leukotriene Modifiers: Oral medications to reduce inflammation.
5. Biologics: Injectable medications for severe asthma, targeting specific inflammatory pathways. -
Asthma Action Plan:
A personalized plan outlining daily management, how to handle worsening symptoms, and when to seek emergency care.