Bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the human respiratory tract, characterized by paroxysmal onset.

Bronchial asthma affects people of different genders and ages, including young children. However, complications of this disease can be avoided: attacks are manageable, and the disease itself is amenable to timely treatment and regular maintenance of lung function with medications prescribed by a qualified specialist.

Causes of the Disease

The causes of bronchial asthma are diverse. They include:

- allergens (abundant dust at home, strong-smelling food for aquarium fish, pet dander, certain food additives and medications causing individual intolerance, prolonged contact with perfumes, occupational hazards);

- infections (a number of microorganisms entering the body interact with human proteins and stimulate the onset of an attack);

- prolonged hypothermia or, conversely, overheating;

- genetic predisposition;

- severe stress.

Classification

For precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment, bronchial asthma is divided:

1. By origin:

- allergic;

- non-allergic;

- mixed;

- unspecified.

2. By category and severity of the disease:

- persistent: has three degrees of bronchial asthma: mild (attacks 1-3 times a month), moderate (attacks occur daily), severe (symptoms do not change, are present almost always);

- intermittent: manifestations are rare and short.

Symptoms of the Disease

The main symptom of this disease, a severe attack of suffocation, often does not manifest immediately. In most cases, it has several precursors that can suggest the relatively imminent onset of asthma. These include:

- intense mucous discharge from the nasopharynx, continuous sneezing;

- inability to take a deep, prolonged breath freely: it becomes short;

- a long, unusually noisy exhalation is heard;

- wheezing in breathing;

- moist cough.

Other signs of bronchial asthma are as follows:

- seasonal respiratory system malfunctions;

- periodic allergies, eczema;

- frequent viral respiratory diseases affecting the lungs;

- rapid improvement in well-being after anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic medications.

You have developed symptoms of bronchial asthma - only a doctor can diagnose the disease. Do not postpone consultation - seek medical attention.

Complications

Symptoms of bronchial asthma can lead to complications. For example, it often provokes pulmonary emphysema, heart failure, and lung failure.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of bronchial asthma is carried out by a pulmonologist. After confirming its presence in the patient through a physical examination and additional research methods (bronchoscopy, chest X-ray, ECG), they will determine the stage of its development and severity.

Treatment

Primary treatment for bronchial asthma involves, first and foremost, eliminating any contact with allergens. There should be no dust, traces of animal hair, or bird feathers in the patient's immediate environment. It is not recommended to use scented air fresheners or perfumes. If the cause is work in a hazardous industry, it is advisable to change it.

Attention should be paid to nutrition. A diet for bronchial asthma involves limiting or completely excluding allergenic foods such as chocolate, citrus fruits, honey, nuts, etc.

Clinical treatment for bronchial asthma will be prescribed by a doctor.

Prevention

Prevention of bronchial asthma is very important. Sometimes, only through prevention (e.g., quitting smoking) can long-term stable remission be achieved, and the risk of disease progression and complications be minimized.

Primary and secondary prevention of bronchial asthma are distinguished:

Primary prevention is carried out for people at risk (usually children) who have a history of allergic reactions, episodes of croup or obstructive bronchitis, have chronic respiratory diseases, atopic dermatitis, pollinosis, allergic rhinitis, and a hereditary predisposition to allergic diseases.

Secondary prevention is aimed at reducing the manifestations of the disease in individuals who already have bronchial asthma (reducing the frequency and severity of attacks).

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES!

State Institution "Rossonsky RCGE", 2023