General Information About Asthma
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the sudden contraction (spasm) and narrowing of the bronchi (tubes) that carry air to the lungs, and the swelling of their inner surface, becoming blocked with a slimy fluid (mucus), due to them being genetically overly sensitive when encountering a trigger substance.
In COPD, there is permanent, irreversible tissue decay (damage) related to smoking. In asthma, the airway narrowing is 'reversible'. Outside of an attack (with proper treatment), an asthma patient has the lung capacity of a completely healthy person and lives their normal life without restrictions.
House dust mites, pollen, cat/dog dander, mold, sharp smells (perfume/bleach), cold air, viral flu/cold infections, extreme stress, crying/laughing, and intense exercise (Exercise-induced asthma) can instantly narrow the bronchi and start an attack.
A whistling sound coming from the chest while exhaling (Wheezing), a feeling of tightness and pressure in the rib cage, air hunger (feeling of suffocating), and dry, stubborn crisis coughs that especially wake one up from sleep towards morning are the classic tetrad of asthma.
The Pulmonologist hears the wheezing (rhonchi) while listening to the lungs with a stethoscope. A definitive diagnosis is made with a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT - Blowing Test). The patient is first given a bronchodilator medication and asked to blow again; if the values improve significantly, this is the clearest proof of asthma. Skin Prick Tests are performed to find the allergen.
Asthma is NOT treated with pills or syrups, but with Inhaler devices drawn directly into the lungs. Inhalers DO NOT cause addiction or damage the heart.
There are two types of medication:
1. Reliever Medications (Salbutamol): These relax the narrowed muscles within seconds during a crisis (Blue inhalers).
2. Controller Medications (Cortisone Inhalers): These are the main treatment medications used regularly every day that dry up the inflammation in the airway and FUNDAMENTALLY prevent the crisis from coming. Using only the reliever and not the controller is the biggest mistake in asthma treatment.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
