WHAT IS ASTHMA

Asthma is a lung condition that causes airways to swell and become inflamed. Asthma makes it hard to breathe. Some people may have minor symptoms, but others may have severe symptoms that interfere with daily life. Having severe asthma may put you at risk for a life-threatening asthma attack. Symptoms of an asthma attack include wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath. Doctors don't know exactly what causes asthma, but genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Triggers such as smoking, air pollution, allergies, exercise, stress, GERD, and colds can bring on asthma attacks. Asthma is a lifelong condition that can be managed but not cured. Avoiding asthma triggers and taking medication help most people avoid attacks and keep symptoms under control.

Some Common Symptoms of Asthma are-

New onset asthma, Nighttime wheezing, Difficulty sleeping, Noisy breathing,Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Labored breathing, Difficulty talking, Pain or discomfort, Cough, Feeling of not being able to get enough air, Pressure or heaviness, Tightness, Rapid breathing, Difficulty staying asleep.

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Diagnosis: Your doctor can diagnose asthma by taking your medical history and doing a physical exam. Other tests include lung function tests, allergy testing, and X-rays. Asthma is classified in 4 levels of severity: 

1. Mild intermittent -- daytime symptoms two or fewer times per week or nighttime symptoms one or two nights per week

2. Mild persistent -- Symptoms more than two times per week, but not more than one time in a single day 

3. Moderate persistent -- daytime symptoms every day or nighttime symptoms more than one night per week 

4. Severe persistent -- continual daytime symptoms or frequent nighttime symptoms, often every night

Treatment: Treatment for asthma includes an asthma action plan that has in writing when to take certain medications based on your symptoms. Medications include both those for long-term control and for quick relief: 

1. Long-term control medications include inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, long-acting beta agonists, combination inhalers, omalizumab (Xolair). 

2. Quick-relief or rescue medications include short-acting bronchodilators and oral corticosteroids. 

3. Allergy treatment, if your asthma is triggered by allergies.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Learning to identify and avoid triggers can help prevent asthma attacks. Most people manage their asthma at home with the help of an asthma action plan that explains what type and how much asthma medication to use. It also includes when to call the doctor or go to an emergency room. Specific steps that may help include: 

1. Using Air conditioner 

2. Avoiding pet dander 

3. Wearing a mask when cleaning (or having someone clean house for you) 

4. Encasing pillows, mattresses, and box springs in dust-proof covers 

5. .Choosing hardwood floors instead of carpeting and blinds instead of drapes 

6. .Getting regular exercise (wearing a face mask when it's cold) 

7. .Staying at a healthy weight 

8. Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables

If you have never been diagnosed with asthma but are wheezing and having other mild symptoms, call your doctor. If you are taking asthma medication, but still having frequent attacks, call your doctor. You may need to change your treatment plan. If rescue medications aren't helping to control symptoms of an asthma attack and you can't reach your doctor, get immediate medical help. If you have blue lips, extreme difficulty breathing, or other symptoms of a severe attack, call emergency right away.