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What is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition that usually causes symptoms over a prolonged period - referred to a a chronic disease. Asthma can not be cured, but it can be managed and with the appropriate treatment, should not alter the quality of life of people that have it.
Goals of asthma treatment.
1. To be completely free of any asthma symptoms - cough, wheeze or breathlessness.
2. To attend school or work regularly and participate fully in all school and sports activities.
3. To have restful sleep free from cough and wheeze
4. To minimise the number of asthma attacks
5. To avoid hospital admissions
How to achieve these goals.
1. Take all medication as prescribed by your doctor
2. Understand the treatments
3. Know how to use the devise that delivers your medication
4. Learn how to monitor your symptoms
5. Recognise deterioration symptoms
6. Have an action plan when symptoms change
7. Know what to do when symptoms deteriorate
8. Keep in touch with your doctor.
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Why do asthma symptoms develop?
If you have asthma, your airways are extra sensitive. When you are around certain things, one of the following can happen
Your airways become "twitchy" and go into spasm. The muscles around your airways squeeze together and tighten. This makes it more difficult for air to pass through and breathing becomes more difficult.
Your airways become red and swollen. They become inflamed and fill up with mucus.
What sets off asthma symptoms?
Each person with asthma have individual triggers or inducers.
Inducers.
Anything you may be allergic to - dust, pollen or a viral infection
Triggers.
Cold air, smoke, exercise
It is important for each person to know what their own inducers or triggers are so that they can be avoided. If you are on the correct medication you should remain symptom free even in the presence of the triggers and inducers.
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About asthma medication
One of the most important concepts to understand about asthma is that most asthmatics will need prescribed medication on a regular basis,
Asthma medication acts by preventing or controlling asthma and they have to be taken every day, just as people with other chronic conditions - high blood pressure, diabetes or epilepsy - have to take there medication every day to stay well.
There are two types of medication
Controllers and relievers
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Controllers act slowly and work over the long term. they are extremely important as they treat the underlying cause of asthma.
Relievers produce instant relief, making muscles relax and help you breathe easier
Steroids in Asthma
Steroids are the most effective anti inflammatory drugs available. As asthma is due to inflammation of the airways, steroids return the airways to normal and the symptoms of asthma gradually subside.
Long term preventer treatment of asthma is almost always given by inhaler. Inhalers get the treatment to where it is most needed and very little is absorbed into the rest of the body. Inhaled steroids take a week or two to work, so consult with your medical practitioner for the best treatment plan for you.
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DISCLAIMER
The information and advice published or made available through this web site is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should consult a physician in all matters relating to your health, and particularly in respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Any action on your part in response to the information provided in this web site is at the reader`s discretion. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the information on this web site. 113 Jan Hofmeyr, its physicians and therapists makes no representations or warranties with respect to any information offered or provided on or through the web site regarding treatment, action, or application of medication. 113 Jan Hofmeyr is not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this web site and/or any web site(s) linked to/from it.
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