Sunday, February 28, 2010
Asthma is a predisposition to chronic inflammation of the lungs in which the airways (bronchi) are reversibly narrowed. Asthma is a long-term disease that can't be cured. The goal of asthma treatment is to control the disease.Treatment of asthma can be divided into long-term control and quick-relief medications.
Long-term control medications are taken daily to maintain control of persistent asthma. They primarily serve to control airway inflammation.
The quick-relief medications are taken to achieve prompt reversal of an acute asthma "attack" by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.
Many asthma medications can be administered orally or by inhalation. Metered-dose inhalers (MDI's) are the most widely used method, but dry powder inhalers are becoming popular. Nebulizer therapy is reserved for patients who are unable to use MDI's because of difficulties with coordination.
Common Asthma Symptoms
Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with proper asthma management.
The first step in asthma management is environmental control. Asthmatics cannot escape the environment, but through some changes, they can control its impact on their health. Listed below are some ways to change the environment in order to lessen the chance of an asthma attack
The third step in managing asthma involves the use of medications. There are two major groups of medications used in controlling asthma anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids) and bronchodilators.
Long-term control medications are taken daily to maintain control of persistent asthma. They primarily serve to control airway inflammation.
The quick-relief medications are taken to achieve prompt reversal of an acute asthma "attack" by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.
Many asthma medications can be administered orally or by inhalation. Metered-dose inhalers (MDI's) are the most widely used method, but dry powder inhalers are becoming popular. Nebulizer therapy is reserved for patients who are unable to use MDI's because of difficulties with coordination.
Common Asthma Symptoms
- Chest Tightness
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Shortness of Breath
- Wheezing
Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with proper asthma management.
The first step in asthma management is environmental control. Asthmatics cannot escape the environment, but through some changes, they can control its impact on their health. Listed below are some ways to change the environment in order to lessen the chance of an asthma attack
- Clean the house at least once a week and wear a mask while doing it
- Avoid pets with fur or feathers
- Wash the bedding (sheets, pillow cases, mattress pads) weekly in hot water
- Encase the mattress, pillows and box springs in dust-proof covers
- Replace bedding made of down, kapok or foam rubber with synthetic materials
- Consider replacing upholstered furniture with leather or vinyl
- Consider replacing carpeting with hardwood floors or tile
- Use the air conditioner
- Keep the humidity in the house low
The third step in managing asthma involves the use of medications. There are two major groups of medications used in controlling asthma anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids) and bronchodilators.
posted by emedinfo
@10:27 PM
permanent link |
|
| Bookmark & Share |
|
<< Home