Asthma

 

What is asthma?

Asthma is an inflammatory condition involving the small airways of the lungs. As we breathe, air moves in and out of the lungs through airways called bronchi. Narrowing of these airways can result from inflammation, muscle spasm and extra mucous production. This results in coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

The incidence and severity of asthma is increasing. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that in 2004 10% of Australians had asthma. A further 40% suffer from symptoms consistent with asthma at some time in their life. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with proper diagnosis, treatment and proactive management.

What triggers it?

The cause of asthma is generally unknown. The most common triggers are viral infections (e.g. Influenza viruses) and allergens. People presenting  symptoms often have a family history of asthma, eczema or hay fever.

Common sources of allergens are:

· Dust mites need warm moist conditions and are plentiful in carpets and beds.

· Moulds thrive in moist conditions where there is poor ventilation.

· Pollens cause seasonal symptoms.

· Pets (particularly cats) which can in turn transfer allergens to furnishings.

Other factors that may trigger asthmatic symptoms include:

· Foods and food additives such as sulfur dioxide and monosodium glutamate (MSG)

· Emotional stress and excitement

· Certain medications (ask your doctor or pharmacist)

· Climatic changes

· Irritants such as dust and tobacco smoke

· Indoor pollutants such as combustion by-products and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which may be irritant or cause sensitisation to allergens.

Where possible, managing environmental factors can reduce these triggers.

Common symptoms

· Wheezing

· Coughing

· Shortness of breath

· Tightness in the chest

· Difficulty in breathing

Management

Asthma management requires the involvement and regular supervision of a Medical Practitioner and/or specialist. There is no single satisfactory diagnostic test for all asthma patients. Tests your doctor may request include:

· Chest X-Ray

· Lung function tests

· Exercise tests

· Peak flows

· Skin tests

· Blood and sputum

· Allergen provocation tests

Treatment aims

The main aims are:

· Minimise symptoms

· Maintain normal or best possible airway function

· Reduce the risk of severe attacks

· Enable normal growth to occur in children

· Minimise absenteeism from school or work.

This involves:

· Patient and family participation

· Avoid triggers where possible

· The use of lowest effective doses of medications to minimise short-term and long-term side effects.

Asthma Australia have developed and promote “The Six Step Asthma Management Plan” as a guide to help  asthmatics exercise more control over their asthma. This guide is designed to be used under medical supervision. This management plan directs asthmatics to:

· Establish the severity of their asthma

· Achieve best lung function

· Identify and avoid triggers

· Optimise medication program

· Have a written action plan for emergencies

· Review regularly with doctor and learn about asthma

The mainstay of asthma treatment is the use of  therapeutic agents delivered as aerosols or powders directly into the lungs. Such medications are normally used to prevent asthmatic symptoms from arising and to relieve symptoms that are present. There are two types of medications commonly used in the treatment of asthma.

Relievers

Relievers relax muscles in the airways. They help you to breathe more easily when you are short of breath. They:

· help reduce an asthma attack once it has started

· relieve symptoms but do not treat the inflammation

· cause a rapid heart beat and shakiness if used too often.

Asthma may not be controlled if you need to use your relievers most days so seek medical advice.

Preventers

Preventers reduce the incidence of asthma by decreasing inflammation and making airways less sensitive to triggers.

· Need to be used daily (even when you do not have symptoms).

· Will not stop an attack once it has started.

· Take some time to actually work.

Exercise Helps

Exercise helps to develop stronger muscles for breathing more effectively, and it has been observed that people who are fitter and healthier cope better with asthmatic episodes. For people who suffer from Exercise Induced Asthma (EIA), a consultation with a doctor to develop an action plan, which allows both the management of asthma and regular exercise, is important.

Compliance with a tailored asthma action plan and regular visits to the general practitioner will ensure that where possible, triggers are avoided. With proper management asthma can be controlled.

References

Asthma Australia website

www.asthmaaustralia.org.au

Australian Bureau of Statistics

www.abs.gov.au

National Asthma Council of Australia

www.nationalasthma.org.au

For More Information

Wesley Corporate Health

Level 2 / 46 Edward Street

Brisbane  Qld  4000

Phone:  07 3234 2600

Email: info@weshealth.com.au

Asthma Australia Advice Line

1800 645 130

Asthma Australia website

http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer

This Fact Sheet is provided for your information only and does not replace qualified medical advice. The information provided may not apply to every person or all situations. A medical practitioner should be consulted for all treatment and medication.