Asthma
Asthma is the most common lung disease
in America and affects millions of people worldwide. The financial
impact of this disease can be measured in billions of dollars
when accounting for medications, hospitalizations, doctors' office
visits, missed work, and emergency care. While asthma is a very
serious disease, with proper medical management, most asthma sufferers
can lead a long and healthy life.
Asthma is a disease of the smaller airways
in the lungs. During an asthma attack, these airways swell with
inflammation so there is less room for air to pass through. In
addition, mucus production increases and can clog the already
swollen airways. Finally, small muscles around the airways tighten,
further shrinking the space for air to move in and out.
What causes an asthma attack?
Most asthma episodes begin with a "trigger".
These triggers vary from person to person and some people may
have more than one.
Common triggers include:
- Allergens - substances that can cause allergic reactions.
Examples include pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander, and
insect droppings.
- Respiratory infections - usually viral illnesses such as colds;
more common in children.]
- Exercise - this is a special class of asthma with special
treatment plans.
- Medications - aspirin is most common.
- Excitement and anxiety.
- Irritants - cigarettes, other smoke, aerosol sprays.
- Weather conditions - cold weather commonly triggers attacks
as can weather changes.
What can I do about my asthma?
The most important part of treatment is
education. Every patient should learn all about the disease of
asthma and what it means for him or her. Next, every patient needs
to become familiar with his or her own disease. Every patient
may have different triggers, respond to different medications,
and develop different treatment plans. Asthma patients must include
his or her primary care physician in this education process and
in developing any treatment plan. You can then develop a plan
to identify your personal triggers and how to avoid or eliminate
them. This may include allergy testing, removing carpets, spraying
for bugs, avoiding cigarettes, and cleaning up dust and mold.
Your doctor will likely use medications
to treat your asthma. These medications are designed to treat
and prevent asthma attacks at several levels. Rescue inhalers
are the most important medications to use when having an acute
attack. Proper education as to using the inhalers is important.
If you use any type of inhaler, it is important that you show
your doctor how you use the device. The rescue inhalers are designed
to open the tightened airways, but their effect is relatively
short.
Another type of medication your doctor
may prescribe is steroids. These are not the same medications
that are sometimes used to build muscle. These steroids are designed
to decrease inflammation in your airways. The inhaled steroids
are usually designed to be used everyday. These are very safe
and offer the most benefit for the average asthma patient. There
may also be a reason for your doctor to prescribe steroid pills,
but they are usually only for severe attacks and should only be
started or stopped after seeing your doctor.
The newest type of medication is designed
to prevent any attack from starting. They are called leukotriene
blockers and come in a pill form. Keep in mind all medications
are not appropriate for all types of asthma. It is important for
you and your doctor to become familiar with your asthma and choose
the best medications.
What do I do if I have a severe attack?
The signs of a severe asthma attack include
shortness of breath, fever, vomiting, rapid breathing, or symptoms
not improving with the use of rescue inhalers. If any of these
symptoms occur, call 911 or get to the closest emergency department
to see a doctor.
Most asthma sufferers will live a normal and healthy life. The
key is to know your disease and develop the best treatment plan
with your family doctor.
If you have any questions regarding asthma,
consult your primary care doctor or feel free to visit us at River
West Medical Center any time day or night.
The emergency department at River West
Medical Center is the premiere emergent care facility in Iberville
Parish. We are open 24 hours everyday with highly trained physicians
and nursing staff who are committed to the health and safety of
the residents of Iberville and the surrounding parishes.
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