lunes, 16 de abril de 2012

How to treat Asthma

Despite the fact that Asthma does not have a cure, it is very important to enter a treatment so, an attack can be prevented, be less severe or even prevent a tragic end.A treatment is not just about medicines, this is a process in which the patient must discover what triggers the attacks and how to avoid or control them.

The right medications for a patient depend on a number of things, including age, symptoms, asthma triggers and what seems to work best to keep asthma under control. Precautionary, long-term management medications decrease the inflammation in the airways that leads to symptoms. Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) quickly open inflamed airways that are restraining breathing. In a number of cases, medicines to treat explicit allergies are required.


Long-term control medications
In most cases, these medications need to be taken every day. They include:
  • Inhaled corticosteroids. They are the most frequently prescribed type of long-term asthma medicine. You may need to use these medications for numerous days to weeks before they accomplish their highest benefit. Unlike oral corticosteroids, these corticosteroid medications have a somewhat low risk of side effects and are usually safe for long-term use.
  • Leukotriene modifiers. They help avoid asthma symptoms for up to 24 hours. For any abnormal response seek medical guidance right away.
  • Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). These inhaled medications open the airways and reduce swelling. However, they've been associated to severe asthma attacks. LABAs should be taken only in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid.
  • Combination inhalers These medications contain a LABA along with a corticosteroid. Like other LABA medications, these medications may boost your risk of having a severe asthma attack.
  • Theophylline. This is a everyday medication that helps keep the airways open (bronchodilator). It relaxes the muscles around the airways to make breathing easier.

miércoles, 25 de enero de 2012

Cause and Symptoms of Asthma



Asthma is a disorder that causes airways narrow to swell, which shortens breath, wheezing and chest tightness. When inflammation in the airways occurs the muscles surrounding them become tight and the lining of the air passages swells. This reduces the amount of air that can pass by.

Causes:

There is not an exact cause that explains why asthma attacks some people and not everyone. It is believed that this is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Asthma trigger´s varies from person to person such as:

  • Dirt and Animal hair
  • Mold
  • Pollen
  • Tobacco Smoke
  • A common cold
  • Menstrual cycle in some women
  • Allergic reactions to certain food like peanuts or fish
  • Chemicals in the air

Symptoms:

The symptoms just like the triggers also changes from person to person. However, majority experiences the same ones which are:

Cough with or without sputum production
Shorten breath that gets worse when performing an activity
Pulling of the skin between ribs when breathing
Wheezing

Symptoms of asthma when is getting worse:

  • Speedy pulse
  • Bluish color in face and lips
  • extreme difficulty to breath
  • Excessive sweating
  • Low attentiveness, sleepiness and apprehension


On the other hand, there are other complications derived from this disorder:

  • Permanent coughing
  • Lack of sleep
  • Breathing assistance (ventilator/oxygen)
  • It the worst case scenario... Death

Asthma does not have a cure but it can be treated and stay under control with the right medicine and treatment. In most cases people who treat the disease can have normal lives and the same life expectations as people who is not affected by this breathing disorder.