Health Alert: Asthma Early Sign, What To Do Next, When To See A Doctor And Treatment

Nollywood was stunned to hear of the untimely death of film titan Amaka Igwe. According to reports, Igwe, responsible for classics such as ‘Fuji House Of Commotion’ died as a result of an asthma attack.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a long term condition caused by the inflammation of the airways. The airways narrow, swell and produce extra mucus which can lead to:

1. Difficulty breathing
2. Wheezing
3. Coughing
4. Shortness of breath
5. A tight chest

Asthma attacks, are when the above symptoms are severe in nature. Such attacks require hospital treatment and can be fatal.

For some people, asthma is a minor problem, in some cases if a child is diagnosed symptoms may disappear during teenage years. For others it is a serious ailment which can interfere with daily life and may be life-threatening.

Although asthma can’t be cured its symptoms can be managed.

What causes asthma?

The causes of asthma are not yet fully understood, although there is a genetic component. If one of both of your parents has the condition you are more likely to have it.

Risk factors

Anyone may have an asthma attack but there are certain people more likely to have the condition:

those living in urban environments

1. A family history
2. Childhood exposure to tobacco smoke
3. Low birth weight
4. Having bronchitis as a child
5. Having another allergy

Triggers

Triggers are factors that bring on the symptoms of asthma, they can vary from person to person. Once a sufferer can identify their triggers they will be better able to manage the condition. Common triggers include:

1. Animal fur
2. Pollen
3. Tobacco smoke
4. Exercise
5. Dust mites
6. Chest infections

Asthma Attacks

An asthma attack occurs when the passages of the airways narrow making it difficult for air to pass through.

Asthma attacks are characterized by usual symptoms getting worse and the prescribed reliver inhaler not helping ease symptoms. Other signs of an attack include:

1. Racing pulse
2. Lips/fingernails look blue
3. Breathlessness
4. Wheezing, coughing and tight chest are severe and constant.

If someone is having an asthma attack they should be taken to the hospital immediately for treatment.

Diagnosis

To diagnose asthma, doctors will examine medical history and perform a series of tests including:

1. Blood tests
2. Chest x rays
3. Spirometry- a breathing test to assess how well your lungs work.

peak flow monitoring- a device used to measure how fast you can blow air our of your lungs in one breath.

Treatment

Asthma cannot be cured, but treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing attacks. Treatment will be determined by your doctor after taking into consideration different factors e.g. the extent of the condition, age, family history and overall health. It will likely involve a combination of medicines, avoiding triggers and altering certain lifestyle elements..READ FULL ARTICLE>>