Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that affects people of all ages. It is characterized by recurrent wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors and is the most common chronic disease among children. Asthma is a serious health condition. People with asthma may have difficulty breathing or have difficulty performing activities of daily living.
Asthma symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Various factors can trigger asthma, including allergens, air pollution, stress, exercise, and cold air.
Treatment for asthma includes both long-term control and quick-relief medications. Long-term control medications include inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonists, and leukotriene modifiers. Quick-relief medications, such as short-acting beta-agonists and systemic corticosteroids, are used to relieve acute symptoms. In addition to medication, other treatments for asthma include environmental control, lifestyle modifications, and patient education. Environmental control measures include avoiding triggers, using air purifiers, and using humidifiers.
Lifestyle modifications include avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Patient education focuses on teaching patients how to recognize and respond to warning signs of an asthma attack.
Asthma is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Healthcare providers need to provide patient education and monitor asthma symptoms to ensure that patients are receiving the best care possible.
