Bronchial Asthma
What is Bronchial Asthma?
Bronchial asthma is a chronic disorder characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. Bronchial asthma is caused by external factors such as environmental triggers, allergies, exercise, and/or stress.
Symptoms of Bronchial Asthma
Symptoms of bronchial asthma can vary from person to person, but common signs and symptoms include:
- Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
Treatment of Bronchial Asthma
Treatment for bronchial asthma is tailored to the individual patient's needs and also takes into consideration the severity of the condition. Options for treating asthma generally include:
- Short-acting bronchodilators (inhaled medicine to open airways)
- Long-acting bronchodilators (inhaled medicine to open airways)
- Inhaled corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation)
- Oral corticosteroids (taken by mouth)
- Leukotriene modifiers (taken by mouth or inhaled)
- Allergy desensitization (allergy shots)
- Peak flow meters (devices used to measure lung function)
Living with Bronchial Asthma
Living with bronchial asthma can be challenging but there are steps you can take to better manage the condition. These include:
- Staying away from triggers such as dust, smoke, and pollen.
- Taking medication as prescribed.
- Using an inhaler or nebulizer correctly.
- Monitoring your peak flow reading.
- Staying active and exercising regularly.