Asthma

Description

Inflammatory lung disease characterized by reversible obstruction of the airways. Tubes in lungs which conduct air are called bronchi or bronchioles. In asthma these tubes become narrow due to abnormal muscle contractions of the tubes due to the inflammation. Mucous membrane of these tubes becomes irritated and secretes mucus and white blood cells into the airways, narrowing them even more with that. In some patients this narrowing occurs as reaction to irritants such as fresh air, dust, pollen, exercising or tobacco smoke. Severity of the symptoms considerably differs among patients, from light irritation to life-threatening collapse.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, oxygen deficit, loss of consciousness.

Overview

Anamnesis will be taken and medical examination will be done. Measurement with peak flow meter will be done to determine lung function and effects of the therapy. X-rays of the chests will be done if there is a suspicion on infection.

Tests

X-rays

Additional analyses

Measurement with peak flow, allergy tests.

Specialists

Allergology, Immunology, General Practice, Internal Medicine, Pulmonology

Therapy

Salvation therapy for acute symptoms: usually short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator. Control therapy for alleviating the inflammation and keeping bronchi open: most frequently are used inhalant corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator, oral leukotriene antagonists, and/or cromolyn inhalation. Oral or intravenous corticosteroids and frequent inhalant bronchodilator in combination with salbutamol and ipratropium bromide are used for severe asthmatic seizures.