Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system in which triggers, usually environmental factors, allergens or physical activity, cause inflammation in the airways, leading to narrowing of the airways, excessive mucus production and therefore difficulty breathing.
Symptoms
People with asthma often suffer from symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath, which can often become more severe at night or early in the morning; exposure to allergens, exercise or stressful situations can also trigger asthma symptoms.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of asthma is usually based on a medical history of the patient's symptoms, physical examination findings and the results of various breathing tests, the most commonly used of which is a test called spirometry, which measures how well the patient's airways are working and thus assesses the patient's breathing capacity.
Management
The management of asthma varies depending on the severity of the disease and the individual patient's symptoms; usually short-acting bronchodilators (medicines that provide rapid relief) and long-acting anti-inflammatory medicines (medicines that control inflammation) are used to relieve patients' symptoms and help keep the disease under control.
Allergens and Triggers
In the management of asthma, it is important for patients to recognize and avoid triggers. Allergens (pollen, house dust, mold, animal dander), air pollution, cigarette smoke, cold air and some food additives can trigger asthma symptoms. Avoiding these factors is an important part of asthma control.
Medication Therapy
Medicines used to manage asthma are usually bronchodilators, which provide rapid relief, and anti-inflammatory medicines, which provide long-term control. Short-acting bronchodilators are used to quickly relieve shortness of breath and other asthma symptoms. Long-acting anti-inflammatory medicines control inflammation in the airways and prevent asthma symptoms from developing. Regular use of medicines is critical for asthma control.
Asthma Activation Plan
For asthma patients, creating an Asthma Activation Plan can help keep their symptoms under control. This plan includes what the patient should do if their symptoms worsen. The plan can help the patient keep track of their daily symptoms, take their medication regularly and know when to seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
Asthma and Exercise
Exercise is important for people with asthma; however, in some people exercise can trigger asthma symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended that people with asthma talk to their doctor before exercising and take preventive medication if necessary. It is also important that people with asthma do not skip warm-up and cool-down exercises, avoid exercising in cold weather and exercise in appropriate weather conditions.
Asthma is a health problem affecting the lives of millions of people worldwide. However, with the right diagnosis, effective management strategies and lifestyle changes, patients can lead a normal and healthy life. For asthma patients, collaboration with health professionals, regular use of medication and avoidance of triggers will help keep the disease under control. Asthma management is the key to improving the patient's quality of life.