Introduction
- Long-term condition affecting the airways in the lungs
- Causes narrowing and inflammation → difficulty breathing
- Common in both children and adults
- Can range from mild to life-threatening
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing (whistling sound)
- Chest tightness
- Cough (especially at night or early morning)
- Red flags
- difficulty speaking
- blue lips or face
- severe breathlessness
- no relief from inhaler
Causes and Risk Factors
- Allergies (dust, pollen, pets)
- Air pollution
- Smoking or passive smoke
- Respiratory infections
- Cold air
- Exercise
- Family history
Types or Classification
- Allergic asthma
- Non-allergic asthma
- Exercise-induced asthma
- Occupational asthma
Diagnosis
- Clinical history
- Spirometry (lung function test)
- Peak flow monitoring
- Response to inhalers
Treatment
Medications
- Salbutamol
- Beclometasone
- Budesonide
- Montelukast
Non-Medication Treatment
- Avoid triggers
- Use inhalers correctly
- Regular monitoring (peak flow)
- Allergy control
Advanced Treatment
- Combination inhalers
- Oral steroids (short-term)
- Biologic therapies (severe cases)
Complications
- Severe asthma attacks
- Respiratory Failure
- Reduced quality of life
- Frequent hospital admissions
When to See a Doctor
- Frequent symptoms
- Night-time symptoms
- Increased inhaler use
- Reduced response to treatment
Emergency Signs
- Severe breathlessness
- Cannot speak full sentences
- Chest retractions
- Blue lips
- No response to reliever inhaler
Prevention
- Avoid known triggers
- Adhere to inhaler therapy
- Annual reviews
- Vaccinations (flu)
Prognosis and Recovery
- Chronic condition
- Well controlled in most patients
- Some children outgrow it
Quick Patient Advice
- Always carry your inhaler
- Use preventer inhaler daily if prescribed
- Check inhaler technique
- Avoid triggers
- Seek help early during flare-ups
FAQ
- Can asthma be cured?
- No, but it can be well controlled
- Is asthma hereditary?
- Yes, often runs in families
- What triggers asthma attacks?
- Allergens, infections, cold air, exercise
- Can exercise worsen asthma?
- Sometimes, but usually manageable
- Are inhalers safe?
- Yes, when used correctly
- How often should I use a reliever inhaler?
- Only when needed; frequent use = poor control
- Can asthma be life-threatening?
- Yes, if severe and untreated
- Do children outgrow asthma?
- Some do
- Is smoking harmful in asthma?
- Extremely harmful
- When should I go to hospital?
- Severe symptoms or no response to inhaler