Asthma sufferers information - treatments, diagnosis and more...
Trader 44
By Robert J Lewis
Asthma is a condition in which the airways are narrowed (although the airway narrowing is reversible) because hypersensitivity to certain stimuli produces inflammation. The narrowing can be triggered by many stimuli, such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, smoke, cold air, exercise, stress and anxiety or even crying or enthusiastic laughter may also bring on symptoms.
An attack of asthma may start suddenly with coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing which is particularly noticeable when the person breathes out. At other times, an attack may develop slowly with gradual worsening of symptoms. In either case, those with asthma usually first notice shortness of breath, coughing or chest tightness, and in children itching on the chest or neck may be an early symptom.
An asthma attack may only last minutes or it can last for hours or days. In a very severe attack someone might only be able to say a few words without pausing for breath, however wheezing may become less because very little air is moving in and out of the lungs. Confusion, lethargy and blue skin colour are indications that the individual’s oxygen supply is extremely limited and emergency treatment is required.
A doctor suspects a person may have asthma based largely on their report of characteristic symptoms, however establishing what triggers their asthma is often difficult. Allergy skin testing can assist in identifying allergens that may trigger asthma symptoms but allergic response to a skin test doesn’t automatically signify that the allergen being tested is the cause of the asthma. In cases where a doctor suspects a particular allergen may be the problem, a blood test that measures the level of antibody produced in response to the allergen can be carried out to discover the level of sensitivity. If there is doubt over the diagnosis of asthma or if it essential to identify the substance that triggers the attack, and inhalational bronchial challenge test can be carried out. This is a test that attempts to deliberately bring about an episode of airway narrowing by having the person inhale a very dilute solution of an allergen.
To test for exercise induced asthma a doctor may use spirometry to measure forced expiratory volume in one second before and after exercise. If the forced expiratory volume decreases more than 15% the persons asthma may be induced by exercise. Often asthma attacks triggered by exercise can be avoided by taking medication beforehand.
Other asthma attacks may be prevented if the factors that trigger them are identified and avoided, for example, in some people with asthma aspirin and other non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs trigger attacks; tartrazine, a yellow colouring used in some tablets and food and substances commonly added to food as preservatives may trigger attacks in susceptible people, and of course those stimuli previously referred to should be considered.
To monitor asthma at home, peak expiratory flow (the fastest rate at which air can be exhaled) can be measured using a small hand held peak flow meter. Usually peak flow rates are lowest between 4 and 6 am and highest at 4pm; however, more than a 15 to 20% difference in rates at these times is considered evidence of moderate to severe asthma.
Drug treatments allow most people with asthma to live relatively normal lives. The most common form of taking the drugs is by the use of an inhaler. Most inhalers are metered dose hand-held cartridges containing gas under pressure. The pressure turns the drug into a fine spray containing a measured amount. With all types of inhalers proper technique is essential, if the device isn’t used properly the drug won’t reach the airways. Relieving drugs work by relieving the constriction of the airways and are known as broncho-dilators. Preventative drugs help damp down the inflammation and irritability of the airways. They are intended to be used regularly (usually twice a day) irrespective of whether the person has any asthma symptoms or not. These drugs do not relieve broncho-spasm
There are those with asthma that is difficult to control, and research is of course ongoing; in fact doctors at Kings College, London recently carried out experiments which showed that D3, one of the family of D vitamins can reverse resistance to asthma steroid treatment and is a potentially important new avenue for developing treatments for people with difficult to control asthma.
Some asthma sufferers have found complementary therapies beneficial ranging from hypnotherapy to homeopathy, but always consult a professional rather than self medicate. (Stella at Health4u is an ex UK nurse and qualified complementary therapy practitioner.)
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