Asthma is an obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by hyper-reactive and narrowed airways, increased mucous secretion, bronchospasms, reversible airway obstruction, and mucosal edema and inflammation brought on by stimuli. Intrinsic (nonallergic) asthma is treated differently from extrinsic (allergic)asthma. Knowing what kind of asthma a person has enables the individual to know what triggers or allergens to avoid.
Intrinsic (Nonallergic) Asthma
Intrinsic asthma is brought on by several factors. Stress and anxiety can bring on asthma symptoms. Environmental factors such as temperature---a cold winter or unusually hot summer---and sudden changes in temperature or humidity can also trigger an asthma episode. Exercise, illness, infection and aspirin can also bring on asthma symptoms.
Extrinsic (Allergic) Asthma
Extrinsic asthma is triggered by exposure to environmental allergens and irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, pollen, foods, animals, dust mites, infection, and severe swings in temperature and humidity. When an asthmatic is exposed to an allergen, an antigen-antibody reaction occurs. Mast cells rupture, releasing chemical mediators that try to thwart the invader. This slow-reacting anaphylaxis causes inflammation, bronchospasms and then an increase in mucous production, making it difficult to breathe.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of an asthma attack may include coughing and an increased respiratory rate---higher than the normal 12 to 14 breaths per minute. A person may begin to feel chest congestion and a sense of tightness in the chest. As the episode worsens, the person may experience anxiety and restlessness as breathing becomes more difficult. The respiratory rate continues to increase as oxygen levels begin to decline. The carbon dioxide level in the body begins to rise because air is not moving into and out of the lungs efficiently. Wheezing then starts because the airway becomes inflamed and begins to swell, becoming narrower as mucous levels begin to increase. The person becomes weak and without treatment may go into respiratory arrest because the body can no longer maintain sufficient levels of oxygen to sustain life.
Treatment
Managing asthma requires an accurate diagnosis by a physician, which is arrived at by reviewing the results of a patient's pulmonary function tests. These tests determine the level of severity and what medications will work best for each patient. Patients use a peak flow meter, a small device that they breathe into to determine how well their medications are managing their asthma.
Medications used in the treatment of asthma include long-term controller medications, long-acting beta-2 agonists, quick-relief or rescue medications, oral and IV corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants, and allergy injections.
Plan of Action
As of 2010, there are no medications or treatments available to cure asthma; however, there are medications available to treat and prevent asthma symptoms. Mild to severe asthma can occur anytime, anywhere, so patients must be prepared with a rescue inhaler and a list of the medications they are currently taking. They must know their triggers and how to avoid them, monitor their breathing with a peak flow meter, and treat symptoms early before they escalate. Consult with a doctor on the best plan of action.
