Asthma is caused by respiratory disorders originating from the lungs. Asthma affects normal breathing; Regular physical activities become difficult or impossible for an asthmatic patient. If proper treatment is delayed, asthma can be fatal. Due to factors like increasing pollution, respiratory diseases like asthma are increasing at an alarming rate. Asthma usually occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 11. During respiration, the air we breathe goes into the nose, throat and lungs. Asthma occurs when the airway enlarges to the lungs and the surrounding muscles begin to tighten. This leads to the formation of mucus that blocks the airway which further blocks the supply of oxygen to the lungs. As a result, asthma attacks cause cough etc.

Symptoms of Asthma:

• Coughing - especially at night, laughing and wheezing

• Whistling sound while breathing Shortness of breath and feeling of tightness in the chest

• Fatigue - Feeling of tiredness Different types of asthma have different symptoms.

The persistent signs of the above symptoms indicate that it is necessary to visit the doctor and the sooner it is found, the better.

Asthma Types:

Small or small bronchial (bronchial) asthma is one of the more common types of asthma. It affects the main air passages in the lungs. Other types of asthma include childhood asthma , adult-onset asthma, allergic asthma, nocturnal asthma, etc.

Cause of Asthma:

Until now medical science has not identified any single cause of asthma. Investigations into this point to some of the prime suspects:

Genetics – Children of parents with asthma are also more likely to develop asthma

Seasonal infections – People who are prone to viral infections in childhood have a higher risk of developing asthma.

Hypothesis of Health – Inadequate exposure to harmful bacteria can lead to a weakened immune system in infants, leading to asthma in later years.

Contact with non-tolerated substances – Frequent contact with substances that cause slight swelling or other discomfort in the body, often not tolerated, increases the chances of asthma.

Causes of asthma:

Specific conditions and environments can aggravate or worsen asthma symptoms:

• Respiratory diseases such as infectious colds and inflammation of the lungs.
• The increased activity can make breathing more difficult.
• Asthmatic patients are sensitive to chemical fumes, strong odors, fumes and similar irritants.
• Having difficult weather conditions such as high humidity or cold weather.
• Loud laughing, yelling and any emotional outbursts that increase the rate of breathing.

Asthma Diagnosis:

No test of any kind can diagnose asthma. A variety of criteria determine whether asthma is caused by respiratory problems:

• Family medical history – Having family members with a breathing disorder may increase the chances of asthma in other family members.

• Physical examination – Physicians use a stethoscope to examine the respiratory tract, examining the skin for allergic reactions such as hives or eczema. Allergies increase the risk of asthma.

• Breathing tests – A pulmonary function test such as spirometry is done to measure airflow in and out of the lungs.

The treatment:

Breathing exercises, first aid or prevention and asthma control medications are long-term treatments for different types of asthma. After considering the patient's age, medical history, etc., the doctor decides on the appropriate treatment to know the type of asthma.

Respiratory exercise increases airflow in and out of the lungs – thereby neutralizing asthma problems. First aid treatment or rescue are medicines used to provide quick relief during an asthma attack. Options include rescue inhalers (inhalers) and liquids (nebulizers), bronchodilators (to relax tense lung muscles), and anti-inflammatory drugs. If asthma symptoms continue for more than 20 minutes after using the above remedies, seek medical attention immediately.

To control asthma over a long period of time, there are daily dosages of medicines that need to be taken for years, so that the asthma remains under control.

Asthma Prevention:

• Stay away from chemicals and products that have previously caused breathing problems.
• Stay away from allergens like dust or mold.
• Take anti-allergic medicines that protect the body against the causes of asthma.
• Take preventive medicine only on the advice of a doctor.

Internal medicine in Abu Dhabi

Adam and Eve Specialized Medical Centre helps patients who are suffering from asthma. Book an appointment with our pulmonologist today.