World Asthma Day is always celebrated on the first Tuesday of May and this article is a way of disseminating information on this topic.
Asthma is a chronic airway condition that affects millions of people around the world. Here is some essential information about asthma:
Typical symptoms of asthma include difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness. These symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency from person to person and can be triggered by different factors.
Asthma is caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which makes it difficult for air to flow to the lungs. Factors that trigger airway inflammation and asthma symptoms may include allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander), airborne irritants (such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and chemicals), respiratory infections, physical exercise , climate change and emotional stress.
As for diagnosing asthma, it usually involves a combination of a detailed medical history, physical exam, lung function tests (such as spirometry), and symptom assessment. It is important to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure.
Treatment aims to control symptoms, reduce inflammation of the airways and prevent asthma attacks. This usually involves the use of medications such as bronchodilators (to relieve acute shortness of breath) and inhaled corticosteroids (to reduce long-term airway inflammation). Additionally, it is important to identify and avoid asthma triggers whenever possible.
In addition to drug treatment, effective asthma management includes educating the patient about their condition, developing an asthma attack action plan, regularly monitoring symptoms, and seeing a doctor periodically to adjust treatment as needed.
Although asthma cannot be completely prevented, there are measures that can help reduce the risk of developing it or worsening symptoms in people who already have the condition. This includes avoiding exposure to known allergens and irritants, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, and keeping your flu and pneumonia shots up to date.
As asthma is a chronic condition, it requires continuous care and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure adequate control of symptoms and improvement in the patient’s quality of life. If you suspect you have asthma or are struggling to control your symptoms, it’s important to see a specialist for proper evaluation and treatment.
Clóvis Botelho is a specialist in Pulmonology in Mato Grosso and a university professor
