Asthma care

Asthma is caused by chronic inflammation of the bronchi causing bronchial spasm.

I - The crisis is characterized by acute respiratory bradypnea (slowed breathing during exhalation), the emergence of a productive cough sputum small pearls.

The crisis of the early morning is characteristic.

Outside attacks, the patient can not feel anything.

Regression of symptoms under bronchodilators is specific to the disease.

II - In case of severe crisis, hospitalization is required.

This severe crisis is characterized by CYANOSIS (bluish tint of the skin), a draw STERNOCLEIDOMASTOIDIENS muscles, rapid breathing, rapid heart, sweating.

III - Asthma is often caused by exogenous factors: allergens to be identified in order to seek their eviction.

The PRICK TESTS are essential to their identification.

Sometimes it may be of occupational allergens, drugs (even aspirin).

Also, be aware that the passive or active smoking, viral respiratory infections, stress, exercise may be triggers.

IV-Regular monitoring of peak expiratory flow will aid in tailoring treatment.

V - The EXPLORATIONS FUNCTIONAL RESPIRATORY used to search outside the crisis episode, a fixed or reversible obstructive airway disease under the action of beta 2-agonists.

VI - In case of brief intermittent attacks with a peak flow greater than 80% of the theoretical value, the treatment involves the administration of inhaled bronchodilators.

- In case of mild chronic asthma defined by crises close day or night and the presence of airflow obstruction revealed by pulmonary function tests, treatment based on the administration of cromones or inhaled corticosteroids.

- In case of moderate chronic asthma, characterized by daily nocturnal seizures, use of beta 2 agonists associated with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators should be implemented.

- In cases of severe chronic asthma, characterized by daily diurnal and nocturnal seizures, also as a therapeutic by inhalation in moderate chronic asthma, administration of oral corticosteroids should be exercised.