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- What is asthma?
- Symptoms of asthma
- Causes of asthma
- Prevention of asthma
- Risk factors for asthma
- Complications of asthma
- When to see a doctor about asthma
- Diagnosis of asthma
- Conventional treatment of asthma
- Alternative/complementary treatment of asthma
- Living with asthma
- Caring for someone with asthma
Asthma is a chronic (and sometimes acute) condition that affects the air passages in the lungs. Asthma is a very common condition of the lungs that affects many people all around the world, in both adults and children.
According to the latest thinking, asthma can be divided into two main categories:
- Bronchial smooth muscle irritability - this category encompasses asthma that is triggered by virus or bacterial infection, environmental toxins (chemicals), food allergies and other types of allergens. This is the most common type of asthma in young children. The cause of the trigger of asthma must be determined so that it can be avoided and the asthma better managed to reduce symptoms
- Chronic eosophilic bronchitis - this category encompasses asthma that is associated with excessive mucous production in the bronchi, together with inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue. This is the most severe form of asthma. The eosinophils are the white blood cells which are released to limit allergic reaction through inflammation and this can cause the release of certain substances (platelet activating factor, PAF) that initiate symptoms associated with asthma (excessive mucous production, bronchial spasm, inability to breath). It is important to limit the release of the PAF so that symptoms are less severe and can be better managed
Classification of asthma - general types of asthma
- Allergic (extrinsic) asthma - affects people when they come into contact with an allergen when it is inhaled, absorbed or eaten. The allergens responsible for triggering this type of asthma are: foods, pollen, mould, animal dander, pollution, perfumes, smoke. About 90% of people with asthma have this type of asthma
- Exercise-induced asthma - affects people when they are exercising; at least 11% of asthmatics have this type of asthma
- Intrinsic asthma - a type of asthma that is not triggered by allergens, but rather by a variety of other factors; onset of this type of asthma starts in adults over 40 years; this type of asthma may not respond so well to treatment as allergic asthma does
- Nocturnal asthma - affects people when they are sleeping, usually between 12am and 4am; around 75% of asthmatics have this form (usually in combination with other types of asthma, but some people just have this type)
- Occupational asthma - affects people if they breath in chemicals and environmental toxins, as well as smoke and wood dust; about 15% of asthmatics have this type of asthma
- Steroid resistant asthma - over-use of asthma steroid medications can lead to a resistance in the effectiveness of the medication over time
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Some facts about asthma
- In the early 1900's, Sir William Osler (a prominent physician at the time, also known as the father of modern medicine) claimed that asthma was not a life threatening disease. Unfortunately, this is not the case in modern times, as asthma causes many deaths each year, around the world.
- Asthma is not yet a curable disease, but it can be (mostly) effectively managed so that asthma attacks become less frequent and less severe. Some children seem to grow out of the asthma they experience at a young age, while many others do not
- During a serious asthma attack, it is fine to keep taking some puffs of the rescue (blue) inhaler every few minutes to get some relief before the ambulance arrives - this is an emergency situation
- If you are taking any type of other medicines, herbs, vitamins, you must inform your doctor before taking them, as they could have some adverse reactions with your asthma medicines - always be safe and sure
- Ensure you understand how to use your inhaler medications properly to get the best use of them to help with your symptoms
- Use a peak flow monitor to determine lung volume capacity, to determine if it is deteriorating or stable
- Monitor any side-effects you may experience with any of the medications you take and let your doctor know
- Asthma is a very common condition in both adults and children all around the world
- Have an asthma action plan so you know what to do if you have a really severe asthma attack
- Reduce exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and do not smoke cigarettes yourself as this will exacerbate symptoms
- Flooring is best if it is carpet free for those people who have dust or dust mite allergies
- Pregnant women need to monitor their asthma carefully to ensure they are getting enough oxygen throughout their body, to ensure their baby is also getting enough oxygen
- With proper treatment and better use of medication (and other techniques if possible), asthma should be able to be controlled with decreased symptoms and less dependence on emergency medication - talk to your doctor about creating a treatment plan for just for you
- Over 2 million Australians have asthma, which is approximately 10% of the population and this is quite a lot higher than other developed nations
- Young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 have the highest incidence of asthma
- Up to 25% of people ho have asthma are smokers
- Up to 40% of children who have asthma live with people who smoke and are most likely to be exposed to second hand smoke, which can make their symptoms worse
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2:symptoms of asthma > Last reviewed: 7 October 2007 || Last updated: 3 January 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
