Asthma, derived from Greek, meaning sharp breath is a chronic illness of the respiratory system, with symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, rapid breathing and chest constrictions. The bronchial airways constrict, become inflamed and are lined with excess amounts of mucus when exposed to certain triggers also known as stimuli. In essence asthma is the result of the immune response in the bronchial airways.Asthma may have several causes. One of the main causes of it is the raising of resistance level to the air flow of the bronchial passages. As it happens, the muscles of the passages won’t be able to support the activities of gas exchanging and breathing in the respiratory system though the muscles are working harder.
When a asthma attack occurs, spasms of the bronchial muscles usually happen. As it happens, there would be an increase in the secretion of mucus and swelling of the bronchial walls. These occurrences should be given with the proper bronchial asthma treatment.
Bronchial asthma treatment now has new treatment protocols that recommend the prevention of asthma medications, such as inhaling corticosteroids or nebulizers. This medication usually helps an asthmatic person to suppress the inflammation of the lungs as well as reduce the swelling of the linings in the airway passages.
If infection is the cause, the person should protect himself from stress and strain due to extremes of weather. Frequent attacks of common cold may lead to asthma. Intensive treatment with a specific antibiotic must be instituted immediately. The most common offending organisms are Pneumococci and Haemophilus influenzae. In these infections, broad-spectrum antibiotics like amoxycillin, cefuroxime or ampicillin are usually effective.
Bronchioplasty is a new procedure, designed to reduce the tendency of narrowing of asthmatic airways. In this new procedure, the airways are treated in half-hour treatment sessions and may require up to three sessions to fully treat both lungs. The treatment, like any other endoscopy, is delivered through a bronchoscope. The procedure uses radio frequency energy to the airway to alter the ability of the muscles in the airway walls to constrict. When the constriction is reduced, it results in a reduction in the frequency as well as severity of asthma attacks in patients.
Avoid irritants where you can. Do not have carpet, heavy curtain or furniture that harbors dust in the bedroom. Avoid woolen blankets, feather pillows or eiderdowns, and keep the mattress covered. Vacuum the room and mattress daily.
If you have asthmatic child, do not be over protective. Preventing him from doing things he enjoy can make the asthma worse. But, do not try to pretend his condition does not exist, as you may overlook a build up to severe illness.
Do not acquire furry or feathered pets if you have an asthmatic child. But, if you already such a pet, it is the best not to get rid of it as this may worsen the child’s asthma. Fish are fine.