WHAT IS ASTHMA,HOW ASTHMA AFFECTS THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM?

Asthma is a common lung disease in which the breathing tubes get narrowed temporarily during an acute attack, and it becomes difficult to breathe. A wheezing noise may be heard and breathing becomes rapid. Mild asthma may present with a dry cough alone. Sometimes there is phlegm, but it is often difficult to cough it out. Children tend to develop asthma between the ages of 2 to 8 yrs, but asthma may involve all ages. During an asthma attack, the muscle walls contract, and the inner walls of the airways swell and become inflamed. These changes cause narrowing of the airways, exacerbated by increased secretions from the mucous membranes, and can actually block small airways.

WHAT IS "ASTHMATIC" OR WHEEZY" BRONCHITIS? WHAT ASTHMA FEELS LIKE?

The old term "asthmatic bronchitis" has now been replaced by the term wheezy bronchitis'". It describes the child who develops a mild wheeze only during a chest infection (bronchitis). When the chest infection clears up, the wheezing will also disappear. These children probably have a very mild and transient form of asthma that is only triggered off by a chest infection.

WHAT IS ASTHMA DUE TO / WHERE ASTHMA OCCURS / WHERE ASTHMA CAME FROM?

lt is due to an allergy, but the precise factor that can trigger off an attack may differ from one person to another. Some children may develop an attack when the weather changes, eat oranges or come into contact with pollen or animal hair. Chest infection, exercise, and emotional factors may also precipitate an asthmatic attack.

DOES ASTHMA RUN IN FAMILIES?

Yes, many relatives of an asthmatic have asthma or some other form of allergy. However, the precise mode of inheritance is still not worked out.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF ASTHMA?

Medicines that can widen the breathing tubes may be given either as tablets, syrup or inhaled. Generally, inhaled medicines act faster and may have fewer side effects. However, it may be more difficult to give inhaled medicines to small children. A beta-agon1st medicine is used for mild asthma, and usually, there is no need for hospital admission. Theophylline is added to the beta-agonist for moderately severe asthma. If there is no improvement, hospital admission must be considered. In very severe cases, admission to the hospital is critical, and asteroids may have to be used in addition to the above medicines.

SHOULD ANY PARTICULAR FOOD OR DRINK BE AVOIDED?

Certain foods and drinks may precipitate an attack on asthma. These might include oranges, milk, nuts, and eggs. Each child will differ in his range of allergies. If a particular food or drink can start an attack on asthma, then it is reasonable to exclude it.

SHOULD I STOP MY ASTHMATIC CHILD FROM SWIMMING OR DOING OTHER EXERCISES?

Physical exertion can precipitate an attack of asthma, but it is no reason to stop all exercises.The benefits of regular exercise are considerable. Rather than restrict physical activities, one should encourage them. To avoid starting off an attack, a beta-agonist can be given about half an hour before the exercise. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for an asthmatic, as it also promotes controlled breathing.

HOW CAN WE PREVENT FUTURE ASTHMATIC ATTACKS?

It is not always possible to avoid known factors that trigger an asthmatic attack. Furthermore, some children develop an attack with no obvious cause. Children who have frequent recurrent episodes may try one of the following medical measures to reduce the chances of future attacks. Abeta-agonist could be given on a long-term daily basis. Other medicines used can be used daily to prevent exacerbations. For the child with persistent asthma or severe recurrences, an inhaled steroid may be considered.

CAN ASTHMA BE CURED? CAN ASTHAMA GO AWAY?

There are currently no medicines that can cure asthma. Medicines can significantly alleviate the breathing difficulties experienced, and some medicines may even prevent most future attacks of asthma. While asthma cannot be cured by medical treatment, quite a large number of children will grow out their asthma by puberty. Unfortunately, develop some of these adolescents may develop asthma again later on in life.