Asthma wikipedia - Search
  1. Also known as: bronchial asthma
    A lung disorder characterized by narrowing of the airways, the tubes which carry air into the lungs, that are inflamed and constricted, causing shortness of breath, wheezing and cough.
    Condition Highlight
    Urgent medical attention is usually recommended in severe cases by healthcare providers
    How common is condition?
    Very common (More than 3 million cases per year in US)
    Is condition treatable?
    Treatable by a medical professional
    Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
    Requires lab test or imaging
    Time taken for recovery
    Can last several years or be lifelong
    Condition Highlight
    Family history may increase likelihood
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    Causes

    Verified Expert

    The causes of asthma are unknown, but it is most probably due to either genetic or environmental factors. Certain factors are known to trigger asthmatic symptoms they are:

    • Allergens like dust mites, animal dander, pollen, molds, cigarette smoke, chemical pollutants, and cold air
    • Sinusitis
    • Extreme emotional responses and physical exercise
    • Medications like aspirin, beta-blockers or NSAIDs
    • Gastro esophageal reflux disease
    • Other factors like dietary insufficiencies in vitamins C and E, and omega-3 fatty acids
    • Foods with sulfites and preservatives may also trigger symptoms

    Few factors are associated with the development of asthma, they are

    • Motherhood at a young age
    • Poor maternal nutrition
    • Lack of breastfeeding
    • Premature birth
    • Low birth weight
    • Smoking
    • Overweight

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    Symptoms

    Verified Expert
    Contact your provider if experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms.

    Symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. There could be sudden outbursts of symptoms. Most common symptoms of asthma are:

    • Dyspnea or difficult breathing
    • Wheezing
    • Chest tightness
    • Persistent coughing, more commonly at night. Most commonly cough with mucus or phlegm

    During Asthma attack, the patient presents below symptoms:

    • Very low blood pressure
    • Abnormally rapid breathing
    • Wheezing sounds may accompany both inspiration and expiration or expiration alone

    If the person is suffering from asthma for a prolonged period, Respiratory failure, a syndrome when the blood vessels around the air sacs fail to exchange gases of carbon dioxide and oxygen efficiently, may occur. The symptoms of Respiratory failure include:

    • Hyperinflation: Patients with long standing uncontrolled asthma may have a barrel-shaped chest caused by hyperinflation of lungs
    • Loss of consciousness
    • Skin and mucous membrane turning to blue in color
    • Low blood pressure, which could lead to heart attack
    • Oxygen saturation dropping less than 90%

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    Treatment

    Verified Expert

    Asthma can be managed with medications. Medications vary depending on the severity of symptoms. The medications are administered through inhalers or nebulizers. The medication through tablets helps manage the condition.

    Medication

    Inhaled short-acting beta-2-agonists: Quick relief inhalators reduces the symptoms like shortness of breath. Usually prescribed for quick relief of symptoms.

    Albuterol . Terbutaline

    Inhaled steroids: Help in reducing the airway inflammation. Usually given for severe symptoms.

    Fluticasone . Budesonide

    Inhaled long-acting beta-2-agonists: Help in dilation of airways. Usually prescribed for chronic condition.

    Formoterol . Salmeterol

    Leukotriene-modifying agents: Help in both dilation of airways and reducing inflammation. For managing symptoms.

    Zafirlukast . Zileuton

    Xanthines: Help in dilation of airways. Usually prescribed if sudden shortness of breath occurs.

    Theophylline

    Beta-2-agonist tablets: Help in dilation of airways.

    Levalbuterol . Metaproterenol

    IL-4 antagonist: Reduces inflammation of airways. Usually given in moderate to severe cases.

    Reslizumab

    Steroid tablets: Help in reducing the airway inflammation. Usually given in severe uncontrolled cases.

    Prednisone . Beclomethasone dipropionate

    IL-5 antagonist: Reduces inflammation of airways. Usually given in severe uncontrolled cases.

    Mepolizumab

    IL-5 receptor antagonist: Reduces inflammation of airways. Usually given in severe uncontrolled cases.

    Benralizumab

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    Diagnosis

    Verified Expert
    One or more of these tests may be recommended by your medical provider.
    A careful and detailed history as well as a clinical examination helps in diagnosis of asthma. The doctor may conduct some tests to confirm the diagnosis and to exclude other lung conditions.

    Common tests & procedures

    Peak flow rate: Peak flow assesses airway obstruction by measuring the air out of lungs while breathing. The air flow will be lower in asthmatic patients.

    Spirometry: This test is done to confirm the presence of airway obstruction. This estimates the functioning of the lungs by measuring the air inhaled and the air exhaled and how fast the air is exhaled.

    Allergy blood test: This is done to identify triggers. The allergens, allergy causing substances could be pets, pollen, dust or chemical fumes. If allergy triggers are identified, allergy shots may be recommended.

    Methacholine challenge test: Methacholine is known to trigger asthma. This test is conducted when spirometry results are normal.

    Sputum eosinophils: The count of eosinophils, a type of white blood cells, found in the sputum (mixture of mucus and saliva), helps in the diagnosis.

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