ASTHMA

How Asthma Works
The respiratory airway muscles constrict and close the airway, which builds up with mucus and swells, making it hard to breath

BODY SYSTEM AFFECTED

SYMPTOMS

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightening
• Occasional production of sputum
• Breathlessness, ranging from mild to severe
• Symptoms are usually worse at night

CAUSES

• Allergies
• Respiratory infections
• Physical activity
• Cold air
• Air pollutants and irritants
• Certain medications
• Strong emotions and stress
• Sulfures and preservatives added to some types of food and beverages
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat

DIAGNOSIS

• Medical and family history
• Physical exam
• Diagnostic test
• Allergen test
• Airway sensitivity test
• Chest X-Ray
• Test to know whether you have another disease similar to asthma

TREATMENT

• Control symptoms in early stages
• Inhaler
• Nebulizer
• Bronchodilators-widen the airway
• Anti-allergic drugs
• Albuderol

PROGNOSIA

• In mild to moderate cases, asthma can cure itself over time
• In severe cases, there can be some improvement
• In 10% of severe consistent cases, permanent damage is done
• Very low chance of death

PREVENTION

• Watch for symptoms and get checked
• If your family has a history of asthma, get checkups
• If your medical history includes other respiratory problems, get checkups for asthma