You Ask , They Answer
Q
: What ’ s asthma and its telltale signs ? Can you advise on when parents should suspect their children have it ?
A
: Asthma is a long-term condition affecting children and adults . The air passages in the lungs become narrow due to inflammation and tightening of the muscles around the small airways . This causes asthma symptoms such as cough , wheeze , shortness of breath , and chest tightness . These symptoms are intermittent and are often worse at night or during exercise . Certain common triggers can make asthma symptoms worse . These vary from person to person , but can include viral infections ( colds ), dust , smoke , fumes , changes in the weather , grass and tree pollen , animal fur and feathers , strong soaps , and perfume .
Parents should suspect their children have asthma if they are manifesting typical asthma symptoms like shortness of breath , wheezing episodes , prolonged dry cough that gets worst at night , and chest tightness .
Q
: What are the treatment options , and can patients with the condition reduce the risk of an asthma attack ?
A
: Asthma cannot be cured , but good management with inhaled medications can control the disease and enable people with asthma to enjoy a normal , active life . There are two main types of inhaler :
• bronchodilators ( such as salbutamol ), that open the air passages and relieve symptoms ; and
• steroids ( such as beclometasone ), that reduce inflammation in the air passages . This improves asthma symptoms and reduces the risk of severe asthma attacks and death . People with asthma may need to use their inhaler every day . Their treatment will depend on the frequency of symptoms and the different types of inhalers available .
It can be difficult to coordinate breathing using an inhaler , especially for children and during emergency situations . Using a spacer device makes it easier to use an aerosol inhaler and helps the medicine reach the lungs more effectively . A spacer is a plastic container with a mouthpiece or mask at one end and a hole for the inhaler in the other . A homemade spacer , made from a 500ml plastic bottle , can be as effective as a commercially manufactured inhaler .
Patients with asthma can reduce their risk of having asthmatic attacks by being compliant to their inhaler and medications and avoiding environmental triggers . Proper inhaler technique is crucial to ensure good medication delivery into the lung airways .
Q
: Since asthma can be life-threatening , when should patients who receive a diagnosis see a doctor ?
A
: Patients with asthma need to see the doctor as soon as the diagnosis is made to ensure proper asthma control and proper medication prescription and prevent a lifethreatening asthma attack . If the asthma attacks are frequent and not relieved by regular inhaler usage , it is important to see the doctor in an emergency hospital setting . Poorly controlled asthma may lead to death .
Q
: How should people with asthma exercise to avoid triggering an attack ?
A
: People with asthma can exercise according to their capabilities and asthma control . Some asthma patients may benefit from using a prophylactic inhaler 20 minutes before exercise . They should also have their inhaler on standby in case they develop an asthma attack during exercise .
Q
: Are there preventative measures against asthma ?
A
: Asthma patients need to be compliant to their inhaler and medications and should try to avoid environmental triggers at their level best .
Dr Nurul Yaqeen
Dr Nurul Yaqeen is a consultant respiratory , internal medicine physician and sleep disorders specialist who runs a chest clinic at Sunway Velocity Medical Centre .
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