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Asthma

Chronic inflammation of airways causing breathing difficulties

Respiratory SystemChronic Conditions

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition where your airways become inflamed, narrow, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. It's one of the most common chronic diseases, affecting millions of people worldwide.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

  • Wheezing - whistling sound when breathing
  • Shortness of breath - feeling like you can't get enough air
  • Chest tightness - feeling like something is squeezing your chest
  • Coughing - especially at night or early morning
  • Difficulty sleeping due to breathing problems
  • Fatigue from breathing difficulties

Severe symptoms (medical emergency):

  • Rapid breathing
  • Inability to speak in full sentences
  • Blue lips or fingernails
  • No improvement after using inhaler

Causes & Triggers

Common triggers:

  • Allergens - pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold
  • Exercise - especially in cold, dry air
  • Cold air and weather changes
  • Stress and strong emotions
  • Respiratory infections - colds, flu, sinus infections
  • Air pollution and smoke
  • Certain medications - aspirin, beta-blockers
  • Food additives - sulfites in wine and processed foods

Risk factors:

  • Family history of asthma or allergies
  • Having allergies or eczema
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Obesity
  • Occupational exposure to chemicals

Diagnosis

Tests your doctor may perform:

  • Spirometry - measures how much air you can exhale
  • Peak flow test - measures how fast you can blow air out
  • Allergy testing - identifies specific triggers
  • Chest X-ray - rules out other conditions
  • Blood tests - checks for inflammation markers

Treatment & Management

Quick-relief medications:

  • Short-acting beta-agonists (albuterol) - inhalers for immediate relief
  • Anticholinergics - help open airways quickly

Long-term control medications:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids - reduce airway inflammation
  • Long-acting beta-agonists - keep airways open
  • Leukotriene modifiers - block inflammation-causing chemicals
  • Theophylline - helps relax airway muscles

Other treatments:

  • Allergy shots (immunotherapy) for allergic asthma
  • Biologic medications for severe asthma
  • Bronchial thermoplasty for severe cases

Living with Asthma

Daily management:

  • Use medications as prescribed - don't skip doses
  • Monitor your breathing with peak flow meter
  • Keep an asthma diary to track symptoms and triggers
  • Have an action plan for asthma attacks
  • Carry rescue inhaler at all times

Lifestyle modifications:

  • Avoid known triggers - dust, smoke, allergens
  • Exercise regularly but warm up gradually
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques
  • Get flu and pneumonia vaccines

Home environment:

  • Use air purifiers and HEPA filters
  • Wash bedding weekly in hot water
  • Keep humidity levels between 30-50%
  • Remove carpets and use hardwood floors
  • Keep pets out of bedroom if allergic

Prevention

Primary prevention:

  • Avoid smoking during pregnancy and around children
  • Breastfeed infants for at least 6 months
  • Reduce exposure to allergens and irritants
  • Maintain healthy weight throughout life

Secondary prevention:

  • Take medications regularly as prescribed
  • Monitor symptoms and peak flow daily
  • Avoid triggers identified through testing
  • Get regular checkups with your doctor

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Symptoms don't improve with rescue inhaler
  • Peak flow readings are in red zone
  • Difficulty speaking due to shortness of breath
  • Lips or fingernails turn blue
  • Rapid breathing or inability to catch breath

Schedule an appointment if:

  • Symptoms occur more than twice a week
  • Waking up at night due to asthma symptoms
  • Using rescue inhaler more than twice a week
  • Symptoms interfere with daily activities
  • Need to refill rescue inhaler more than monthly

Emergency Action Plan

Green Zone (Good Control):

  • No symptoms
  • Peak flow 80-100% of personal best
  • Use daily controller medication

Yellow Zone (Caution):

  • Mild symptoms
  • Peak flow 50-80% of personal best
  • Use rescue inhaler
  • May need to increase controller medication

Red Zone (Medical Alert):

  • Severe symptoms
  • Peak flow less than 50% of personal best
  • Use rescue inhaler immediately
  • Seek emergency medical care

Support & Resources

Educational resources:

  • American Lung Association
  • Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Support groups:

  • Local asthma support groups
  • Online communities and forums
  • Educational workshops and classes

Remember: With proper treatment and management, most people with asthma can live active, healthy lives!

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