What is asthma?
"Asthma" comes from the ancient Greek word meaning, "panting". |
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Types of Asthma
Asthma is divided into four main types depending on the frequency and severity of the symptoms (chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing) before any medication |
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Symptoms of Asthma
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person and within each individual over time. |
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Diagnosing asthma
Many people with asthma don’t know that they have the disease. In young patients with recurrent coughing and wheezing the diagnosis of asthma is not always straightforward.
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Treatment of asthma
While asthma can’t be cured, it can be controlled in the vast majority of cases. It is a chronic disease and may need long-term treatment and even lifelong management.
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What causes Asthma?
Just what causes asthma remains something of a mystery. Unfortunately, this condition often goes undiagnosed and untreated, as many people don’t even know they’re asthma sufferers. |
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The treatment of acute asthma attacks
Bronchospasm is one of the major causes of cough, wheezing and chest tightening. It’s caused when the muscles around the airways constrict, making it difficult for you to breathe. |
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The daily, long-term treatment of asthma
Corticosteroids (inhaled with a spacer), cromolyns and leukotriene inhibitors are the medications that can be used.
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Asthma introduction
Asthma affects one in 10 children and one in 20 adults. It cannot as yet be cured, but if kept under control, those affected will be able to live normal lives. |
