Bronchial asthma – symptoms, treatment and prevention

Bronchial asthma is a respiratory disease that affects millions of people around the world. It is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent attacks of shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and a feeling of tightness in the chest. In this article, we will discuss the characteristics of asthma, its types, risk factors, symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and effective methods of treatment and prevention.

Asthma – characteristics of the disease

Bronchial asthma is a chronic disease that affects the respiratory tract, narrowing it and making it sensitive to various stimuli. People with asthma have difficulty breathing properly, especially during asthma attacks. This disease may have varying degrees of severity and its course may be different in each patient.

Types of asthma

There are different types of asthma, including:

• Atopic asthma – related to allergies, often caused by plant pollen, dust, animal hair and other allergens.
• Non-atopic asthma – not related to allergies, may be caused by viral infections, air pollution or stress.
• Mixed asthma – a combination of features of atopic and non-atopic asthma.

Bronchial asthma – risk factors and causes of exacerbations

There are many risk factors associated with asthma, such as:

• Family history – if someone in your family has asthma, other family members are at greater risk of it developing.
• Smoking – smokers and people exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to develop asthma.
• Exposure to allergens – contact with allergens may lead to the development of asthma in people susceptible to allergies.
• Air pollution – breathing polluted air may increase the risk of developing asthma.

The causes of asthma exacerbations may be diverse, but are most often related to viral infections, air pollution, allergens and stress.

Asthma – symptoms

Asthma symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the disease, but the most common are:

• Shortness of breath, especially at night and in the morning.
• Cough, especially at night and after exertion.
• Wheezing.
• Tightness of the chest.
• Difficulty in secreting sputum.

If you experience these symptoms, it is worth consulting your doctor, as improper treatment or lack of treatment for asthma can lead to a worsening of your condition.

Asthma – diagnosis

The diagnosis of asthma is based on the analysis of symptoms, medical history and the results of diagnostic tests. Your doctor may order spirometry tests, which help assess lung function, and allergy tests to see if your asthma is related to allergens.

Bronchial asthma – treatment

Treatment of bronchial asthma is multi-stage and may include:

• Use of chronic medications such as anti-inflammatory medications and bronchodilators.
• Antihistamines for allergic asthma.
• Patient education in self-monitoring and treatment of asthma.
• Avoiding factors that trigger asthma attacks, such as allergens and tobacco smoke.

Asthma attack – treatment

An asthma attack can be very serious and requires immediate medical attention. If your asthma symptoms get worse, you should:

• Use your bronchodilator inhaler if prescribed by your doctor.
• Call for medical help or go to the emergency department.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions immediately.

Your suggestions

If you have asthma, it is important to monitor your symptoms regularly and follow your doctor’s advice. Avoiding triggers such as allergens and tobacco smoke can help reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Remember that education about asthma and effective treatment is crucial to maintaining a good quality of life.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about asthma, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “How to deal with asthma in everyday life”
• “Modern methods of asthma treatment – what is worth knowing”
• “Environmental allergens and asthma – how to avoid sensitizing factors”

Remember that in the case of asthma, it is important to have your health checked regularly under the supervision of a specialist who will help you adapt the treatment to your individual needs.