Effects of Asthma and Treatment
Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages, or airways, of the lungs. Asthma is a chronic (ongoing, long-term) inflammatory disease that causes difficulty breathing.
When an exacerbation or “attack” of asthma takes place, the inflammation in the airways causes the lining of the breathing passages to swell. This swelling narrows the diameter of the airway, eventually to a point where it is hard to exchange enough air to breathe comfortably. This is when coughing, wheezing, and the sensation of distress start.
What are the long-term effects of asthma?
Weakening of the lungs and more prone to breathing problems/diseases and increased chance of contracting lung infections and pnuemonia.
Common Triggering Factors For Asthma
Allergies
Weather changes (barometric pressure, humidity, and temperature)
Air pollution, smoke, chemical or fuel vapors, fumes, or even perfumes and other scents
Dust
Heartburn (reflux esophagitis)
Exercise
Colds and other respiratory infections
Physical or emotional stress
Asthma in adults
This factsheet is for adults with asthma. If your child has asthma, please see the separate BUPA factsheet:
Asthma in childrenAsthma is a common condition that causes coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and breathlessness. About 1 in 12 adults are treated in the UK for asthma each year. Asthma can start at any age.
Most people with asthma who take the appropriate treatment can live normal lives. But left untreated, asthma can cause permanent damage to the airways. Very rarely, a severe asthma attack can be fatal.in and out of. f.
Treatment
Relievers are to be used when your asthma symptoms occur. They can be short-acting or long-acting. Short-acting relievers (known as bronchodilators) contain medicines such as salbutamol (eg Ventolin) and terbutaline (Bricanyl) that work to widen your airways and quickly ease your symptoms.
Preventers are used every day - even if you do not have symptoms. They are used to help you prevent symptoms. Preventers usually contain a steroid medicine, such as beclometasone (eg Becotide) or fluticasone (Flixotide) that work to reduce the inflammation of your airways. Side-effects are unusual at normal doses (although they can sometimes cause a sore mouth or throat).
Spacers
A device called a ’spacer’ can help you use your inhaler correctly. A spacer is a long tube which clips onto the inhaler. At the other end of the tube is a mouthpiece to breathe in and out of.
