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Information On Asthma

Information on asthma brings awareness of symptoms, treatment, and lifestyle modifications needed to minimize attacks. Some of the risk factors include but are not limited to respiratory infections, cigarette smoke, air pollution, and allergens. Chronic inflammation of the airway will bring on symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma products that help to provide relief from symptoms include over the counter inhalers and expectorants, or prescription glucocorticoids and bronchodilators.



Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the airways. The exact cause of the disorder is not known but it seems to run in families and those who have it may suffer from other allergy related conditions such as allergic rhinitis and skin allergies. Information on asthma reveals that some substances in the environment may trigger an episode. Exposure to toxins, detergents, perfumes, dyes, pollen, dust, fungus, mold, mildew, pet dander, insect allergens, and cigarette smoke can bring on an attack. Other triggers may include being sick with a respiratory or bronchial infection, exposure to cold weather, climate changes, and stress.



Four main symptoms that often lead to a diagnosis of asthma include breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Other symptoms that may be present in a patient with the disorder include sneezing, itchy eyes, skin rash, and stuffy nose. A physical examination will help to rule out other disorders. Even though the symptoms may indicate that the condition is present, a physician may run some tests to rule out other possible causes. Fever, weight loss, and chest pain may lead a doctor to test for tuberculosis, heart disease, chronic pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.



After the disorder is diagnosed a physician will consider the severity of the condition when prescribing treatment. Asthma products and treatment can help to manage the condition and put the patient's mind at ease when an attack occurs. An inhaler may be prescribed for treatment and to minimize future episodes. The medication in an inhaler will open up the airways making it easier for the patient to breathe. Antihistamines are usually prescribed as a preventive treatment to help avoid future allergic reactions that could bring about an attack. With the proper treatment and information on asthma an individual should be able to resume normal activities including exercise.



The treatment for children with asthma will need to be a little different from older children and adults because young children may have difficulty using an inhaler. Asthma products for the very young will include a breathing machine with a mask that fits over the child's face so he or she can breathe in the medication. The medication is placed in the compartment of the mask and tubing attaches the mask to the machine. When the machine is plugged into electricity the air comes through the area with the medication and provides a mist for the child to breathe. Since attacks can happen at night when a child is often unattended the parents should put a baby monitor next to his or her bed and keep the other monitor in their room so as to hear the child if he or she becomes sick.



Inhaled corticosteroids are steroids with properties that attack the inflammation and decrease the bronchial symptoms that cause attacks. Asthma products help to improve the function of the lungs and decrease the severity of the disorder. There are some side effects with the medication but the risks involved with uncontrolled asthma are greater than those caused by the medication. The risks involved with prolonged exposure to steroids include but are not limited to hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, growth retardation in children, and muscle weakness. There are oral prescription drugs that can be taken for the condition but the most effective are the inhalers that contain glucocorticoids and bronchodilators. Glucocorticoids help to prevent and keep the disorder under control. Bronchodilators relieve the acute symptoms of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe.



Before a reduction in therapy can take place the patient should be on the medications for at least 3 to 4 months. If the patient is doing well after that time a physician may want to reduce the therapy slowly while monitoring the symptoms. Depending upon how well the patient does, medication may be suspended. The patient may only need meds during certain seasons or during times of stress. Some children seem to outgrow the disorder by the age of 5 but most patients have reoccurring bouts throughout their lifetime. Living with a disorder can prove to be difficult at times. Trust God for encouragement and comfort during those times when illness causes discouragement and distress. "This is my comfort in my affliction: for Thy word hath quickened me." (Psalm 119:50)



Patients who have severe asthma may need more extensive care with higher doses of meds and frequent doctor visits. Acute attacks may require hospitalization where oxygen can be administered and intravenous injections can be given. Information on asthma can be beneficial to the patient with acute symptoms. The more knowledge an individual has the better he or she will be able to understand the importance of regular treatment. A patient will benefit from knowing what possible substances or conditions prompt an attack. Most patients with the disorder will have symptoms emerge when sick with a cold or respiratory infection. Others may have seasonal symptoms associated with seasonal allergies caused by pollen and ragweed. Those with acute symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor so that the correct method of treatment can be found.

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