May 1, 2024 – International "Asthma Day"

The International Asthma Day was first celebrated in 35 countries in 1998 as part of the first global meeting on asthma. Its purpose is to draw the attention of the public worldwide to the problem of bronchial asthma.

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, characterized by episodes of shortness of breath, often accompanied by coughing, and which can develop into attacks of suffocation. This happens because the airways overreact to various irritants. In response to irritation, they narrow and produce a large amount of mucus, which disrupts the normal flow of air during breathing.

Causes of Bronchial Asthma:

1. Heredity. Genetic aspects play a significant role in the causes of bronchial asthma development.
2. Occupational factors. The influence of biological and mineral dust, including wood, flour, cotton dust, etc. The severity of occupational asthma is mainly determined by the duration of the disease and the severity of symptoms, and does not depend on age, sex, harmful occupational factor, or smoking.
3. Environmental factors - exhaust fumes, smoke, high humidity, harmful vapors, etc.
4. Diet. Individuals who consume plant-based foods, juices rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants have a slight tendency towards a more favorable course of bronchial asthma. Conversely, the consumption of animal products rich in fats, proteins, and refined easily digestible carbohydrates is associated with severe disease progression and frequent exacerbations.
5. Alcohol. Individuals who abuse alcohol have an increased chance of developing asthma.
6. Detergents. Various detergents, including cleaning aerosols, contain substances that provoke asthma in adults.
7. Microorganisms. For a long time, there was a belief in the existence of asthma of an infectious-allergic nature; according to this theory, viruses, fungi, and bacteria participate in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma.
8. Acute and chronic stress.

Symptoms of Bronchial Asthma:

   The clinical picture of bronchial asthma is characterized by symptoms such as breathing difficulties in the form of shortness of breath and cough. These symptoms occur after contact with an allergen, which is of great importance in diagnosis. In people, seasonal increases in certain aeroallergens in the air (e.g., birch, grass, and ragweed pollen) cause exacerbations. These symptoms can also develop upon contact with non-specific substances (smoke, gases, strong odors) or after physical exertion (so-called exercise-induced asthma), can worsen at night, and decrease in response to basic therapy. The most typical symptom of bronchial asthma is an asthma attack. The patient takes a short inhalation and, without pause, a prolonged, agonizing exhalation accompanied by wheezing. Often, especially during prolonged attacks, pain occurs in the lower chest due to the strained work of the diaphragm. During exacerbation, drowsiness, difficulty speaking, and tachycardia are also noted. A distended chest is a consequence of increased lung volumes – it is necessary to ensure the "expansion" of the airways and the opening of small bronchi. Between attacks, patients may show no signs of the disease.

 

Prevention of Bronchial Asthma

   The prevention of bronchial asthma, like any other disease, can be primary and secondary. Primary prevention is a set of measures aimed at preventing the onset of asthma. Secondary prevention aims to prevent the development of complications of the disease and to prevent asthma attacks in people who have had asthma before or are currently suffering from it. A special approach to primary prevention should be taken by people at high risk of developing bronchial asthma. These include:

• smokers;
• individuals with a hereditary predisposition to asthma, including children whose parents or close relatives suffer from shortness of breath;
• those who have had or suffer from atopic dermatitis;
• those who have had or suffer from any form of allergy (drug, seasonal, food, etc.);
• those who have close relatives who have had one allergy or another;
• individuals with signs of bronchopulmonary syndrome, which occurs with various (most often cold-related) respiratory diseases;
• workers whose working conditions contribute to the development of bronchial asthma (work in dusty conditions, with various volatile chemical substances, including perfumes, household chemicals, etc., farmers).

To prevent the development of the disease, all the individuals listed above need to pay attention to the following primary prevention measures for bronchial asthma:

• improving the environmental situation as much as possible (e.g., permanent or temporary change of residence);
• frequent cleaning of premises, minimal use of carpets, soft toys, books in living quarters, especially bedrooms;
• adherence to personal hygiene rules;
• monitor the cleanliness of pets, and ideally, do not keep them at all;
• use hypoallergenic household items;
• proper and healthy nutrition with quality products with a minimum amount of food additives, thorough washing of products, especially from stores or markets;
• minimize the use of aeroallergens: deodorants, air fresheners, perfumes, especially in spray form, etc.;
• reduce, and if possible, quit smoking, including eliminating passive smoking;
• elimination of occupational hazards (if signs of bronchial asthma are increasing, changing jobs is the best option);
• taking any medications only after consulting a doctor;
• prompt elimination of any allergic manifestations and mandatory identification of their source;
• prevention of contact with a known allergen product (item);
• timely treatment of respiratory infections;
• leading a healthy lifestyle, strengthening immunity, hardening, regular physical exercise.
• sanatorium-resort preventive treatment in places with a sea climate or in highlands.

Pregnant women, to prevent asthma in their future child, should take this prevention with particular seriousness. It is necessary to strictly exclude smoking, treat allergies and infectious diseases in a timely manner, and eat properly. Breastfeeding is another additional protection for the child against bronchial asthma.


Remember to prevent the onset of bronchial asthma and stay healthy.

State Institution "Rassonsky RCG&E", 2024.