ASTHMA
WHAT IS ASTHMA?
It is a condition of the chest that affects the smaller airways of the lungs, causing the airways to be become smaller (constrict) temporary as a result of the airway becoming oversensitive.
WHEN DO WE GET ASTHMA AND WHO GETS IT?
Asthma can start at any age, but it most commonly starts in childhood. It tend to run in some families but people with no family history can also get it.
WHAT CAUSES ASTHMA?
No single cause has been found but a number of factors may trigger an attack which includes; infections especially common colds, allergies, exercise, emotional upsets or stress, house dust, cigarette smoke, sudden changes in weather or temperature, drugs (aspirin, other nsaids), certain food and food additives
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA?
The main symptoms are feeling of breathlessness, tightness in the chest, wheezing and coughing especially at night or first thing in the morning. But severe forms of asthma presents with finding it difficult to speak, blue color of the lips or hands (cyanosis), fast pulse, low Blood pressure, no initial response to asthma medications.
IS ASTHMA DANGEROUS?
With correct treatment, most people with asthma should be able to lead normal lives. The biggest worry although uncommon is the death in untreated cases of severe to life threatening forms
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
Prevention of attacks is the best treatment, if you know what brings on your asthma try to stay away from them. There are medications available to provide rapid relieve from the attack (relievers)e.g. is salbutamol inhaler (ventolin), and there are those which prevent you from getting the attacks called preventers. Speak to your doctors about them.
Dr Ato K Sagoe