Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease involving the airways in the lungs. These airways, or bronchial tubes, allow air to come in and out of the lungs.

Definition

Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways characterized by reversible air flow obstruction. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Causes

•               Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste

•               Respiratory infections, like common cold

•               Physical activity

•               Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke

•               Medications, like aspirin, ibubrufen

•               Strong emotions and stress

•               Preservatives added to some foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruits, processed potatoes, beer and wine

•               Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into the throat

•               Drugs/food allergies.

Signs and Symptoms

•               Shortness of breath

•               Chest tightness or pain

•               Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath

•               coughing

•               wheezing

•               Difficult in breathing(dyspnea)

•               A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of asthma in children)

•               Coughing or wheezing attacks

Types

•               Exercise-induced asthma

•               Occupational asthma

•               Allergy-induced asthma

•               Extrinsic Asthma

•               Intrinsic Asthma

Asthma triggers

Diagnosis

Tests to measure lung function

•               Spirometry. This test estimates the narrowing of your bronchial tubes

•               Peak flow. A peak flow meter is a simple device that measures how hard you can breathe out.

•               Skin testing to identify causative allergens

•               X-ray chest

Medical management

•               Antibiotics

•               Immunotherapy

•               Corticosteroids.

•               Bronchodialators

Nursing management

•               Assess the airway of the patient

•               Assess the skin turgor for dehydration

•               Patient room should be free of respiratory irritants

Lifestyle and home remedies

Avoid triggers

•               Maintain optimal humidity.

•               Reduce pet dander.

•               Change the bed linen once in a week.

•               Cover the nose and mouth during cold season.

Stay healthy

•               Exercise regularly.

•               Maintain a healthy weight.

•               Control heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux disease (GERD).

Alternative medicine

•               Breathing exercises.

•               Herbal and natural remedies includes black cumin seeds.

Prevention

•               Get vaccinated for influenza and pneumonia.

•               Avoid asthma triggers