Asthma is a common respiratory system disease. It is characterized by recurrent shortness of breath, wheezing and cough attacks. Although it has a prevalence of 2-5% in the population, diagnosis is generally avoided by being dismissed with statements such as bronchitis and airway sensitivity. The reason for this is the false belief that asthma will last a lifetime and that one will have to use medication constantly.
It is thought that approximately 300 million people in the world are affected by asthma. While it started to increase especially in industrial regions, large metropolises and since the late twentieth century, it is known that it has started to decrease with effective treatment and education in recent years.
Asthma is a disease characterized by long-term inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It is a disease that can be completely cured with treatment. Genetic and environmental factors are responsible for the formation of asthma. Its frequency increases in industrial areas, low socioeconomic status, and exposure to cigarette smoke and some occupational chemicals. It can be divided into two: allergic asthma and non-allergic asthma.
Catching the things to consider in the patient's history and interpreting breathing tests well are the most important stages of diagnosis. The most obvious symptoms are shortness of breath, wheezing and coughs that come in fits. Generally, complaints occur as a result of encountering a substance or allergen that increases the disease (pulls the trigger). It has unique physical examination findings. PEF meters, reversibility tests (medicated breathing test) and allergy tests help in diagnosis. It may also be asthma that only presents with a persistent cough. Asthma is responsible for 1/3 of chronic coughs. In these patients, no findings may be detected during physical examination and respiratory tests.
Avoiding allergens, avoiding exposure to occupational dust, not smoking, preventing reflux, not having frequent respiratory infections and using regular medication are the most important things to do regarding treatment. Keeping pets such as cats, dogs and birds at home is also a factor that increases the frequency of asthma. The feathers, feces and airborne dust of these animals fall from the environment into the respiratory tract of the asthmatic patient. It is taken by halation and complaints may occur within minutes.
The drugs to be used are divided into two: therapeutics and symptom relievers. Treatment is determined according to the severity and severity of the disease. Patients should be educated and monitored on the effective use of respiratory inhaler medications. If there is no improvement despite treatment, if the pulse accelerates, the blood oxygen level decreases and the use of auxiliary respiratory muscles begins, it is necessary to monitor for hospitalization.
Asthma is still an important health problem. But the measures taken to prevent and control the disease seem to be successful, and the effectiveness of the drugs used in the treatment is extremely high. Therefore, the first thing that asthmatic patients should do is to stay away from triggers such as cigarettes and occupational dusts and gases, as well as take medication regularly. Because some of the asthma medications, in addition to being symptomatic, are also therapeutic drugs. That is, if used regularly, these medications can reduce the patient's number of asthma attacks, prevent severe attacks, and ultimately make them symptom-free. However, in patients who have frequent exacerbations, use medications irregularly, and cannot get away from triggers in the environment, the effectiveness of medications may decrease and asthma may become permanent.
Sometimes, asthma patients may not experience a significant improvement in their complaints despite using medication for a long time. In this case, it is necessary to observe that the medications are used effectively and to examine whether there are problems such as food allergy, gastroesophageal reflux or postnasal discharge.
In asthma, medications are generally given by inhalation (puff, inhaler). These medications should be sprayed into the mouth while taking a deep breath, hold the breath for 10-20 seconds, and repeat this process after a few minutes.
Patients who use medication regularly, do not develop frequent respiratory infections, do not work in a dusty workplace, are not exposed to chemicals, do not have allergies and do not smoke benefit greatly from treatment, and approximately half of these asthma patients can see an improvement that can be followed completely without medication.
Do not forget, being asthmatic does not mean using medication for life. It doesn't come true. Regular treatment, patient education and frequent control are the most important steps in asthma treatment.
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