What causes asthma? Special forms of bronchial asthma. Symptoms and signs of asthma, photos

Asthma- respiratory diseases of various etiologies, the main symptom of which is suffocation. There are bronchial, cardiac and dyspeptic asthma.

In today's article we will look at bronchial asthma, as well as its causes, symptoms, forms, severity, diagnosis, treatment, folk remedies and prevention. And at the end of the article or on the forum we will discuss this disease. So...

What is bronchial asthma?

Bronchial asthma– chronic inflammatory disease, the main symptoms of which are attacks of shortness of breath, coughing, and sometimes suffocation.

The term “ἆσθμα” (asthma) from the ancient Greek language is literally translated as “shortness of breath” or “heavy breathing.” For the first time, records of this disease are found in Homer, Hippocrates

Symptoms of bronchial asthma appear as a result of the negative impact on the cells and cellular elements (eosinophils, mast cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, T-lymphocytes, etc.) of the respiratory tract of various pathological factors, such as allergens. Further, the hypersensitivity of the body (cells) to these factors contributes to the narrowing of the airways - the lumen of the bronchi (bronchial obstruction) and the production of copious amounts of mucus, which subsequently disrupts normal air exchange, and the main clinical manifestations appear - wheezing, coughing, feeling chest congestion, shortness of breath, heaviness of breathing, etc.

Attacks of bronchial asthma most often occur at night and early in the morning.

The cause of bronchial asthma is a combination of external and internal factors. External factors – allergens (house dust, gas, chemical fumes, odors, dry air, stress, etc.). Internal factors are disturbances in the functioning of the immune, endocrine and respiratory systems, which can be either congenital or acquired (for example,).

The most common causes of asthma are: working in places with strong chemical odors (household chemicals, perfumes), smoking.

Epidemiology

According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of patients with bronchial asthma ranges from 4 to 10% of the population on Earth. The highest percentage of them are residents of Great Britain, New Zealand, and Cuba, which is primarily due to the local flora, as well as the high concentration of allergens transported to these territories by ocean air masses. In Russia, the incidence rate in adults is up to 7%, in children – up to 10%.

An increase in the incidence of asthma has been noted since the mid-1980s. Among the reasons, there is a deterioration in the environmental situation - air pollution from petroleum products, deterioration in the quality of food (GMOs), as well as a sedentary lifestyle.

On the first Tuesday of May, since 1998, WHO has established World Asthma Day, which is held under the auspices of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA).

Bronchial asthma. ICD

ICD-10: J45
ICD-9: 493

The causes of bronchial asthma are very diverse, and their number is quite large. However, as already noted, they are all divided into 2 groups - external and internal.

External causes of bronchial asthma

Dust. House dust contains a large number of different particles and microorganisms - dead skin particles, wool, chemicals, pollen, dust mites and their excrement. All these dust particles, especially dust mites, are known allergens that, when they enter the bronchial tree, provoke attacks of bronchial asthma.

Poor environmental conditions. Doctors note that residents of industrial areas, cities where there is a large amount of smoke, exhaust gases, harmful fumes, as well as people living in places with a cold, humid climate, suffer from bronchial asthma more often than residents of villages and places with a dry and warm climate .

Professional activity. An increased percentage of asthma sufferers has been observed among workers in chemical production, craftsmen working with building materials (especially plaster, drywall, paint, varnish), workers in poorly ventilated and polluted areas (offices, warehouses), beauty salon technicians (working with nails, painting hair).

Smoking. Systematic inhalation of smoke from tobacco products and smoking mixtures leads to the development of pathological changes in the mucous membrane of the respiratory system, which is why smokers often suffer from diseases such as chronic bronchial asthma.

Household chemicals and personal care products. Many cleaning and detergent products, as well as personal care products (hairspray, eau de toilette, air freshener) contain chemicals that can cause coughing, choking, and sometimes asthma.

Respiratory diseases. Diseases such as chronic bronchitis, as well as their causative agents - infections, contribute to the development of inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes and disruption of the smooth muscle components of the respiratory system, and bronchial obstruction.

Medications. Taking certain medications can also disrupt the normal activity of the bronchial column and lead to asthma attacks, especially Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Stress. Frequent stressful situations, as well as the inability to overcome and adequately respond to various problems lead to. Stress weakens the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to cope with allergens and other pathological factors that can lead to the development of bronchial asthma.

Nutrition. It has been noted that with a nutritious diet, mainly food of plant origin, enriched with fresh fruits, vegetables, juices, food with minimal heat treatment, it minimizes the body’s hyperactivity to allergens, thereby reducing the risk of developing asthma. In addition, such food improves the course of bronchial asthma. At the same time, as well as foods rich in animal proteins and fats, refined easily digestible carbohydrates, worsens the clinical course of asthma, and also increases the number of exacerbations of the disease. Food additives, such as sulfites, which are preservatives used by many manufacturers in wine and beer, can also cause asthma attacks.

Internal causes of bronchial asthma

Hereditary predisposition. If future parents have bronchial asthma, there is a risk of this disease developing in the child, and it does not matter at what age after birth. Doctors note that the percentage of asthma due to a hereditary factor is about 30-35%. If a hereditary factor is established, such asthma is also called - atopic bronchial asthma.

Disturbances in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), immune and endocrine systems.

The signs or symptoms of bronchial asthma are often similar to the symptoms of bronchitis and other diseases, therefore, we will designate the first and main signs of bronchial asthma.

Important! Asthma attacks tend to get worse at night and in the early morning.

The first signs of bronchial asthma

• Shortness of breath, especially after physical activity;
• , first dry, then with clear sputum;
• Sneeze;
• Rapid shallow breathing, with a feeling of difficulty exhaling;
• Orthopnea (the patient, sitting on a bed or on a chair, holds on tightly to it, his legs are lowered to the floor, so it is easier for him to exhale completely).

At the first signs of bronchial asthma, it is best to seek medical help, because... even if the symptoms of the disease appear and then disappear on their own, each time, this can lead to a complex chronic course with exacerbations. In addition, timely assistance will prevent pathological changes in the respiratory tract, which are sometimes almost impossible to reverse into a completely healthy state.

Main symptoms of bronchial asthma

• , malaise;
• Heart rhythm disturbance () - the pulse during illness is within the range of up to 90 beats/min., and during an attack, it increases to 130 beats/min.;
• Wheezing when breathing, with whistling;
• Feeling of chest congestion, suffocation;
• Pain in the lower chest (with prolonged attacks)

Symptoms of severe disease

• Acrocyanosis and diffuse bluishness of the skin;
• Enlarged heart;
• Signs of pulmonary emphysema – chest enlargement, decreased breathing;
• Pathological changes in the structure of the nail plate - nails crack;
• Drowsiness
• Development of secondary diseases – , .

Bronchial asthma is classified as follows:

By etiology:

• exogenous bronchial asthma– asthma attacks are caused by allergens entering the respiratory tract (dust, pollen, animal hair, mold, dust mites);
• endogenous bronchial asthma– asthma attacks are caused by internal factors – cold air, stress, physical activity;
• bronchial asthma of mixed origin– asthma attacks are caused by the simultaneous impact on the body of both external and internal factors.

By severity

Each degree has its own characteristics.

Stage 1: Intermittent asthma. Asthma attacks occur no more than once a week, and for a short time. There are even fewer night attacks, no more than 2 times a month. The forced expiratory volume during the first second of the forced expiratory maneuver (FEV1) or peak expiratory flow (PEF) is more than 80% of normal breathing. The spread of PSV is less than 20%.

Stage 2: Mild persistent asthma. Attacks of the disease occur more than once a week, but not more than once a day. Night attacks – 2-3 per month. Exacerbations are more clearly identified - the patient’s sleep is disturbed and physical activity is inhibited. FEV1 or PEF, as in the first degree, is more than 80%. The spread of PSV is from 20 to 30%.

Stage 3: Moderate persistent asthma. The patient is plagued by almost daily attacks of the disease. Night attacks are also observed more than 1 per week. The patient has disturbed sleep and physical activity. FEV1 or PSV - 60-80% of normal breathing, PSV range - 30% or more.

Stage 4: Severe persistent asthma. The patient suffers from daily asthma attacks, with several night attacks per week. Physical activity is limited, accompanied by insomnia. FEV1 or PSV is about 60% of normal breathing, the spread of PSV is 30% or more.

Special forms of bronchial asthma

There are also a number of special forms of bronchial asthma, which differ in clinical and pathological processes in the body. Let's look at them.

Atopic bronchial asthma. The disease develops against the background of a hereditary factor.

Reflux-induced bronchial asthma. The disease develops against the background of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), or the entry of stomach contents into the respiratory tract (lumen of the bronchial tree). In addition to asthma, the entry of acidic stomach contents into the respiratory tract sometimes leads to the development of diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, and sleep apnea.

Aspirin-induced bronchial asthma. The disease develops while taking medications such as Aspirin, as well as other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Bronchial asthma of physical effort. The disease develops against the background of physical activity, mainly after 5-10 minutes of movement/work. The attacks are especially intensified after working in cold air. It is accompanied mainly by a cough, which goes away on its own after 30-45 minutes.

Occupational asthma. The disease develops due to working in contaminated places, or when working with substances that have a strong chemical odor/vapor.

Nocturnal asthma. This form of asthma is only a definition of nocturnal attacks of the disease. At the moment, the causes of bronchial asthma at night are not fully understood. Among the hypotheses put forward are a supine position of the body, a more active effect on the body of allergens at night.

Cough variant of asthma. It is characterized by a special clinical course of the disease - only . Other symptoms are absent or present, but minimally. The cough form of bronchial asthma is observed mainly in children. Symptoms usually worsen at night.

Diagnosis of bronchial asthma

Diagnosis of bronchial asthma includes the following examination methods and features:

• Patient's history and complaints;
• Physical examination;
• Carrying out spirometry (respiratory function test) - FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second), PEF (peak expiratory flow), FVC (forced vital capacity);
• Breath tests with bronchodilators;
• Study for the presence of eosinophils, Charcot-Leyden crystals and Kurshman spirals in sputum (bronchial secretions) and blood;
• Establishment of allergy status (skin, conjunctival, inhalation and nasal tests, determination of general and specific IgE, radioallergosorbent test);
• (x-ray) of the chest;
• Daily pH-metry if the reflux nature of bronchial asthma is suspected;
• 8 minute run test.

How to treat asthma? Treatment of bronchial asthma is a painstaking and lengthy work, which includes the following methods of therapy:

• Drug treatment, which includes basic therapy aimed at supportive and anti-inflammatory treatment, as well as symptomatic therapy aimed at relieving the symptoms accompanying asthma;
• Elimination of disease development factors (allergens, etc.) from the patient’s life;
• Diet;
• General strengthening of the body.

When treating asthma, it is very important not to use only symptomatic drugs (short-term relief of the disease), for example, beta-adrenergic agonists (Ventolina, Salbutamol), because the body gets used to them, and over time, the effectiveness of these drugs decreases, and sometimes disappears altogether, while pathological processes continue to develop, and further treatment, as well as a positive prognosis for a full recovery, become more complicated.

1. Drug treatment of asthma. Asthma medications

Basic therapy for bronchial asthma affects the mechanism of the disease, it allows you to control it. Basic therapy drugs include: glucocorticosteroids (including inhaled ones), cromones, leukotriene receptor antagonists and monoclonal antibodies.

Symptomatic therapy allows you to influence the smooth muscles of the bronchial tree, as well as relieve asthma attacks. Symptomatic therapy drugs include bronchodilators: β2-adrenergic agonists and xanthines.

Let's look at medications for bronchial asthma in more detail...

Basic therapy for bronchial asthma

Glucocorticosteroids. They are used in the treatment of mild and moderate asthma, as well as to prevent exacerbations of its course. This series of hormones helps to reduce the migration of eosinophilic and leukocyte cells into the bronchial system when an allergen enters it, which in turn leads to a reduction in pathological processes in the lumen of the bronchi and edema. In addition, glucocorticosteroids slow the progression of the disease. To minimize side effects, glucocorticosteroids are used as inhalation. During exacerbations of the disease, their use is not effective.

Glucocorticosteroids for asthma: “Akolat”, “Singulair”.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists (leukotrienes). They are used for all degrees of asthma severity, as well as in the treatment of chronic obstructive bronchitis. Effectiveness has been observed in the treatment of aspirin-induced bronchial asthma. The principle of action is to block the connection between cells that migrate into the bronchial tree when an allergen enters it and the mediators of these cells, which actually lead to a narrowing of the bronchial lumen. Thus, swelling and secretion production by the walls of the bronchial tree are stopped. The disadvantage of drugs from a number of leukotriene receptor antagonists is their lack of effectiveness in the treatment of isolated asthma, which is why they are often used in combination with hormonal drugs (glucocorticosteroids), which, by the way, increase the effectiveness of these drugs. Another disadvantage is the high price of these products.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists for asthma: zafirlukast (“Acolat”), montelukast (“Singulair”), pranlukast.

Cromons. They are used for stage 1 (intermittent) and stage 2 (mild) bronchial asthma. Gradually, this group of drugs is being replaced by inhaled glucocorticosteroids (ICS), because the latter, with a minimum dosage, have better efficiency and ease of use.

Cromones for asthma: sodium cromoglycate (Intal), nedocromil sodium (Tyled).

Monoclonal antibodies. It is used in the treatment of stages 3 (moderate) and 4 (severe) bronchial asthma, and allergic asthma. The principle of action is the specific effect and blocking of certain cells and their mediators in the disease. The disadvantage is the age limit - from 12 years. It is not used during exacerbations of the disease.

Monoclonal antibodies for asthma: Xolair, Omalizumab.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). It is a traditional method of treating exogenous bronchial asthma in patients aged 5 to 50 years. ASIT is based on the transfer of the body's immune response to an allergen from the Th2 type to the Th1 type. At the same time, the allergic reaction is inhibited, and the hypersensitivity of the tissues of the bronchial lumen to the allergen is reduced. The essence of treatment using the ASIT method is the gradual introduction, at certain intervals, of a small dose of allergens. The dose is gradually increased, thereby developing the resistance of the immune system to possible allergic agents, for example, dust mites, often contained in house dust. Among the introduced allergens, the most popular are mites, tree pollen and fungi.

Symptomatic treatment of bronchial asthma

Short-acting β2-adrenergic agonists (beta-agonists). They are the most effective group of drugs (bronchodilators) for relieving exacerbations and attacks of bronchial asthma, without limiting the age group of patients. The fastest effect (from 30 to 120 minutes) and with fewer side effects is observed in the inhaled form of beta-agonists. Well protects against bronchospasms during physical activity.

Short-acting β2-adrenergic agonists for asthma: salbutamol (Ventolin, Salamol Steri-Neb), terbutaline (Bricanil), fenoterol (Berotec).

Long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists (beta-agonists). They are used to relieve asthma attacks and exacerbations, as well as their frequency. When drugs based on the substance salmeterol are used to treat asthma with respiratory complications, cases of death have been observed. Formoterol-based drugs are safer.

Long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists for asthma: salmeterol (Serevent), formoterol (Oxis, Foradil), indacaterol.

Xanthines. They are used for emergency relief of asthma attacks, but mainly in cases where other drugs are not available, or to enhance the effectiveness of beta-agonists. However, β2-agonists are gradually replacing the xanthines that were previously used before them. The effectiveness of the simultaneous use of xanthines, for example drugs based on theophylline, together with ICS or SGCS has been noted. Xanthines are also used to eliminate daytime and nighttime asthma attacks, improve lung function, and reduce the dosage of hormones in severe asthma in children.

Xanthines for asthma: Teopec, Theotard, Theophylline, Euphylline.

Inhalers for bronchial asthma

Asthma inhalers are small (pocket) inhalers that can quickly deliver the active drug for asthma to the desired location in the respiratory system. Thus, the drug begins to act on the body as quickly as possible, which in some cases allows minimizing acute attacks with all the consequences of the attack. Inhalers for asthma include the following:

Inhaled glucocorticosteroids (ICS): non-halogenated (budesonide (Benacort, Budenit Steri-Neb), ciclesonide (Alvesco), chlorinated (beclomethasone dipropionate (Bekotide, Beclazon Eco), mometasone furoate (Asmanex)), fluorinated ( azmocort, triamcenolone acetonide, flunisolide, fluticasone propionate).

b2-adrenergic agonists: short-acting (Ventolin, Salbutamol), long-acting (Berotek, Serevent).

Anticholinergics:"Atrovent", "Spiriva".

Cromons:"Intal", "Tailed".

Combined drugs:"Berodual", "Seretide", "Symbicort". They have a very fast effect that relieves attacks of bronchial asthma.

Other medications for the treatment of bronchial asthma

Expectorants. Helps reduce the viscosity of sputum, loosen mucus plugs, and remove sputum from the respiratory tract. Efficiency is noted through the use of expectorants through inhalation.

Expectorants: Ambroxol, Codelac Broncho.

Antibacterial agents (antibiotics). They are used when asthma is combined with infectious diseases of the respiratory system (sinusitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia). Antibiotics are contraindicated for children under 5 years of age. Antibiotics are selected based on diagnosis, depending on the type of pathogen.

Among the antibiotics we can note: “”, “” (for mycoplasma infection), penicillin and cephalosporin (for).

2. Non-drug treatment of bronchial asthma

Addressing risk factors for asthma

Without a doubt, eliminating factors that contribute to the risk of developing, as well as exacerbating attacks of bronchial asthma, is one of the fundamental stages in the treatment of this disease. We have already discussed the risk factors for the development of bronchial asthma at the beginning of the article, in the paragraph “Causes of bronchial asthma,” so here we will only briefly list them.

Factors contributing to the development of asthma: dust (house and street), dust mites, pollen, nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2), sulfur oxides (SO2, O3), carbon monoxide (CO), atomic oxygen O, formaldehyde, phenol, benzopyrene, pet hair, smoke from tobacco and smoking mixtures (smoking, including passive smoking), infectious diseases (,), some medications (Aspirin and other NSAIDs), dirty air conditioner filters, fumes from household chemicals (cleaning and detergents) and cosmetics (hairspray, perfume), working with building materials (gypsum, drywall, plaster, paint, varnishes), etc.

Speleotherapy and halotherapy

Speleotherapy– a method of treating asthma and other respiratory diseases, based on the patient’s long stay in a room that provides a microclimate of natural karst caves, in which there is air containing salts and other minerals that have a beneficial effect on the respiratory system.

Halotherapy– is actually an analogue of speleotherapy, the only difference is that halotherapy involves treatment only with “salty” air.

Some resorts, as well as some healthcare facilities, have special rooms that are completely lined with salt. Sessions in salt caves relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes, inactivate pathogens, enhance the production of hormones by the endocrine system, reduce the content of immunoglobulins (A, G, E) in the body and much more. All this leads to an increase in the period of remission, and also helps to reduce the dose of drug therapy for asthma.

Diet for bronchial asthma

A diet for asthma helps speed up the treatment process and also increases the positive prognosis for treating this disease. In addition, the diet allows you to exclude from the diet foods that are highly allergenic.

What not to eat if you have asthma: fish products, seafood, caviar, fatty meats (poultry, pork), smoked meats, fatty dishes, eggs, legumes, nuts, chocolate, honey, tomatoes, tomato-based sauces, yeast-based foods, citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, pomelo , grapefruits), strawberries, raspberries, currants, apricots, peach, melon, alcohol.

What should be limited in use: bakery products from premium flours, baked goods, sugar and salt, dairy products (milk, sour cream, cottage cheese).

What can you eat if you have asthma: porridge (with butter), soups (unrich), chicken, low-fat sausages and sausage (doctor's), rye bread, bran bread, oatmeal or biscuits, vegetable and fruit salads, compotes, mineral waters, tea, coffee (if it contains there is caffeine).

Diet– 4-5 times/day, without overeating. It is better to cook food by steaming, but you can also boil, stew, or bake. Eat only warm.

With minimal heat treatment, food loses the least amount of vitamins contained in food products, because many vitamins are destroyed when exposed to boiling water, or simply water. An excellent household appliance is a double boiler, which takes into account many dietary features, not only for asthma, but also for many others.

Forecast

The prognosis for the treatment of bronchial asthma is positive, but largely depends on the degree at which the disease is detected, careful diagnosis, the patient’s accurate compliance with all the instructions of the attending physician, as well as restrictions on factors that can provoke attacks of this disease. The longer the patient self-medicates, the less favorable the treatment prognosis.

Important! Before using folk remedies for treating bronchial asthma, be sure to consult with your doctor.

Treating asthma with water (Dr. Batmanghelidj's method). The essence of the treatment is to drink water according to the following scheme: 2 glasses 30 minutes before meals, and 1 glass 2.5 hours after meals. In addition, you need to drink water throughout the day to quench your thirst. The water can be alternated, first salted (½ teaspoon of sea salt per 2 liters of water), then melted, boiled water cannot be used. Efficiency increases by placing a few crystals of sea salt under the tongue after drinking water, as well as by additionally taking vitamin complexes. To relieve attacks, you can put a pinch of salt under your tongue and then drink a glass of water. During treatment, the consumption of alcoholic and caffeine-containing drinks is not allowed. Drug treatment is maintained.

Ginger. Grate about 4-5 cm of dried ginger root and fill it with cold water. Next, heat the mixture in a water bath until it begins to boil, then cover the mixture with a lid and simmer the product for about 20 minutes. Next, set the container with the product, with the lid tightly closed, aside, and let it sit until it cools down. You need to take a decoction of ginger root warmed, 100 ml before meals. It can also be added to tea.

For severe attacks, you can use ginger juice. To do this, you need to squeeze it out of fresh ginger root, add a pinch of salt to 30 g of juice, and drink the product. Before going to bed, a mixture of 1 tbsp also has a beneficial effect. spoons of ginger juice and honey, which can be washed down with herbal tea or warm water.

Ginger essential oil can be used for inhalation.

Oats. Sort and peel 500 g of oat grains, then wash them thoroughly and add to a boiling mixture of 2 liters of milk and 500 ml of water. Cover the pan with a lid and cook the product for 2 hours over low heat. After boiling, you should have about 2 liters of product left. Next, add 1 teaspoon and 1 teaspoon of butter to 150 ml of broth. You need to drink the product on an empty stomach, hot. You can store the product in the refrigerator. The course of treatment is 1 year or more.

Salt lamp. As was already written a little earlier, in the paragraph “Non-drug treatment of bronchial asthma,” inhaling salt air has proven itself to be effective in the fight against this disease. To do this, you can visit special salt caves. You can also install a salt lamp in the patient's room, which can be purchased at home improvement stores. If you have financial means, you can set up a salt room in your dacha; for this, you can search online for diagrams, as well as sellers of rock salt. Halotherapy helps not only treat asthma, but also many other diseases, and also generally strengthens the body.

Prevention of bronchial asthma includes the following recommendations:

— Try to choose for your place of residence, and, if possible, work, places with a clean ecological environment - away from industrial areas, construction sites, and large concentrations of vehicles;

— Stop smoking (including passive smoking), alcoholic beverages;

— Do wet cleaning in your home and workplace at least 2 times a week;

— Remember, the biggest collectors of dust, and then breeding grounds for pathogenic microflora, are natural carpets, duvets and pillows, air conditioner and vacuum cleaner filters, and upholstered furniture fillers. If possible, change bedding to synthetic ones, reduce the amount of carpeting in the house, and do not forget to periodically clean the air conditioner and vacuum cleaner filters.

— If a large amount of dust often collects in the house, install an air purifier;

— Ventilate the room in which you live/work more often;

— Do you have a favorite pet at home? Cat, dog, rabbit or chinchilla? Great! But don't forget to take care of them. It is better to comb out the faded fur yourself rather than have your pet do it all over the apartment;

— Don’t let respiratory diseases take their course;

— Take medications only after consulting a doctor;

- Move more, toughen up;

— Place a salt lamp in your home, it is both useful and an excellent piece of furniture;

— Try to relax at least once a year in environmentally friendly places - at the sea, in the mountains, in forests.

Which doctor should I consult for bronchial asthma?

Video about bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma. Causes of asthma
Bronchial asthma is an inflammatory process that occurs in a chronic form and is localized in the respiratory system. The disease causes incomplete and reversible blockage of the bronchi, attacks of suffocation and coughing, as well as increased reactivity of the bronchi.
This disease is very common in children. The factors that cause it are very diverse. The disease is serious and can cause death. Moreover, almost any attack of suffocation can result in death. Therefore, if you suspect asthma, you should consult a physician.
The following will outline the most common factors that cause asthma and the principles of its development. Such information can be very important both for parents whose children have asthma and for preventing this disease in healthy children and adults.

What kind of disease is bronchial asthma?

How common is asthma?

Why and how does this disease occur?

If we consider the disease based on the factors that cause it, there are two forms of the disease: infectious-allergic And atopic. The primary processes in the body in these two forms of the disease are completely different. But then the phases of the disease proceed similarly.

Atopic variety- This is a disease of purely allergic origin. Just as with other allergic manifestations, the body’s reaction to interaction with one or more allergens is of primary importance during the course of the disease. The body's response and the development of asthma proceeds as follows: as soon as the allergen affects the body, the immune system detects the allergen and releases a certain amount of substances that subsequently interact with the allergen.

The presence of these substances in the body indicates sensitization. These substances are antibodies or specially targeted cells of the defense system. People constantly interact with a huge number of a wide variety of allergens, but not everyone triggers the asthma mechanism. Genetic predisposition or other physiological features of the structure play a very serious role in the formation of this type of asthma. Thus, the body of people suffering from bronchial asthma responds very powerfully to the effects of allergens, and allergic manifestations are very destructive and strong.

If the body interacts with the same allergen a second time, a response develops, the result of which is a decrease in the internal diameter of the bronchi, as well as respiratory failure - these are symptoms of an approaching attack of suffocation. The allergic form of asthma is characterized by immediate worsening of the condition when interacting with an allergen. The rest of the time, the patient does not experience any painful manifestations.

The most common allergens are house dust, flower pollen, cat and dog hair, household chemicals, and some food. And by and large, almost any chemical can act in this capacity.
This form of asthma is quite common in children. It is usually combined with allergic manifestations such as eczema, urticaria, and nutritional allergies. It should be noted that all these ailments are interconnected, since they represent a malfunction of the immune system.

If the disease continues for many years and is not treated, processes occur in the bronchi that disrupt their function and increase the risk of developing infections. In this case, the principles of development atopic form are already beginning to resemble the principles of development infectious-allergic form. Therefore, if you have asthma, it is necessary to visit a therapist or allergist from time to time.

Infectious-allergic form at the first stages it proceeds according to different laws. So, the first impetus in the process is the presence of a chronic infection in the respiratory system. In this regard, this form of asthma often develops in mature patients and is quite rare in children. Under the influence of pathogenic microflora and the inflammatory process, the anatomy of the bronchi and their reactivity are disrupted: the amount of muscle tissue and connective tissue increases, the bronchi become very sensitive to irritating factors. The reaction to the interaction of stimuli is a decrease in the internal diameter of the bronchi, which causes breathing problems. Later, allergic manifestations come into play - this is the result of a change in local immunity; in asthma, this mechanism begins to work autonomously and is not regulated by the body.

This form of the disease lasts a long time, and its exacerbations are usually combined with respiratory diseases. This type of asthma is often combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease And chronic bronchitis.

Drug-induced asthma

Is there a hereditary form of asthma?

Cardiac asthma

Diseases of the respiratory tract and lung tissue, which occur with inflammation and narrowing of the bronchi, are accompanied by asthma (suffocation).

The epithelium lining the bronchial tree is very sensitive to inhaled substances. They irritate the bronchi, causing hypersecretion and swelling, which prevents air from entering the lungs. Reflex bronchospasm further limits respiratory function.

Asthma: what is it?

Asthma is a disease of the bronchial structures of a non-infectious nature, characterized by attacks of suffocation and broncho-obstructive syndrome. The disease is characterized by a chronic course, and in about a third of cases it is hereditary.

If asthma is diagnosed in childhood, there is a chance of getting rid of it. In adults, the disease is much more complicated. The deterioration of the environmental situation leads to an increase in morbidity. The rate among children reaches 10%, and among adults 6%.

Types of asthma

There are three main types of disease accompanied by an asthmatic condition. They are as follows:

Bronchial asthma is a chronic lesion of the bronchial mucosa with the development of hypersensitivity to inhaled (trigger) substances. Manifested by periodic attacks of suffocation. Unlike bronchitis, infection plays a trigger role, and the leading cause of bronchial asthma is genetic predisposition.

Drug-induced asthma– occurs as a side effect of taking certain medications. There are two mechanisms - either the drug causes an allergy, which leads to illness, or a side effect of the drug causes a spasm of the bronchioles and an attack of suffocation.

Cardiac asthma– occurs as a result of swelling of the lung tissue during heart failure. The mechanism is a decrease in the contractile function of the myocardium or an increase in pressure in the pulmonary system.

The most common cause of the disease is bronchial pathology.

Causes of asthma

The main causes of asthma are unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of two factors: genetic and environmental influences. There are other risk factors that can trigger the disease. These include:

1. Constant contact with substances that cause allergic reactions - animal hair, dust, mold;
2. Taking certain medications (side effects of beta blockers that cause bronchospasm);
3. Respiratory and viral infections;
4. Passive smoking;
5. Ecological situation;
6. Working in rooms with dirty air, chemicals, flour;
7. Products containing sulfates;
8. Physical exercise;
9. Constant stress and nervousness;
10. Sudden changes in weather conditions;
11. Hereditary factor.

Patients with all allergic reactions need to contact an allergist to determine the exact causes.

Symptoms and signs of asthma, photos

Since asthma can be cardiac, bronchial or drug-induced, the symptoms vary. However, the first signs of asthma are the same - a strong dry cough and difficulty breathing.

For allergic asthma the symptoms are as follows:

• A cough appears;
• When breathing, a whistling sound occurs;
• A person inhales and exhales with a frequency of more than 16/minute;
• There is pain in the chest area;
• These signs are obvious when the patient comes into contact with the allergen.

For cardiac asthma The following symptoms are typical:

• Attacks of coughing and suffocation occur at night during sleep;
• In a horizontal position, breathing becomes difficult, so the person takes a half-sitting position;
• Other signs characteristic of heart failure (swelling, difficulty breathing) may also occur;
• During physical exertion, shortness of breath occurs, the abdomen enlarges, and the skin around the nose and lips takes on a bluish tint.

Symptoms of bronchial asthma clearly expressed:

• Dry, severe cough;
• Shortness of breath, which becomes worse when an attack occurs;
• Attacks are characterized by severe coughing and shortness of breath, followed by copious sputum production;
• Compression and heaviness in the chest;
• The attacks end abruptly, just as they begin;
• At night, exacerbations occur due to difficulty breathing in a horizontal position. As a result, the patient may choke all night from coughing;
• During breathing, characteristic whistles are heard.

If any symptoms are detected, you must consult a specialist for a correct diagnosis and, if necessary, begin treatment.

First aid for an attack of bronchial asthma

Asthmatic attacks are the main symptom of this disease. And relatives of a person with the disease should know what to do to stop an attack of bronchial asthma. This condition is diagnosed in a patient by the following manifestations:

Signs of an asthma attack

1. A person assumes a position in which the muscles are involved in the respiratory process. To do this, he places his feet shoulder-width apart and rests his hands on the edge of the bed or chair.
2. The inhalation is fast, and the exhalation is long and painful, accompanied by a cough.
3. During exhalation, a strong whistle is heard.
4. The skin takes on a bluish tint and becomes cool.
5. The cough is strong and heavy.

What to do during an attack of bronchial asthma?- The algorithm of actions is as follows:

• Provide the patient with access to fresh air. It is better for him to take a sitting position, this will facilitate the removal of sputum during coughing.
• You need to unbutton your clothes so that there is no pressure on the chest.
• The patient needs be sure to give an inhaler.
• It is necessary to remove allergens that can provoke an intensification of the attack.
• The patient needs to drink a sedative (coravolol, valerian). It is necessary to take bronchodilator aerosol drugs, which are in the first aid kit of an asthmatic.
• If the situation is serious, then you should call an ambulance. If the condition is average, you can consult your doctor.
• If there is no improvement, doctors resort to infusion of steroid drugs.
• The patient’s relatives and close friends must know the rules for providing assistance during an asthma attack in order to provide assistance at the right time.

Asthma treatment

Unfortunately, it is currently impossible to cure this disease. Throughout his life, a person with such a diagnosis must comply with and fulfill doctor’s orders.

Treatment of asthma in adults involves eliminating attacks and preventing them from occurring again.

For this we use:

1. Anti-inflammatory and antihistamine medications.
2. Bronchodilators, which dilate the bronchi to improve airflow. All medications must be prescribed by a doctor.
3. Breathing exercises are also necessary; they help remove acute inflammation of the bronchi.
4. Folk remedies are also used to treat asthma. However, before doing this, you should consult your doctor.

To improve the condition of the cardiac form, correction of cardiac diseases is necessary. Asthma is a chronic pathology, so therapy continues throughout life. If medical recommendations are followed, the quality of life suffers slightly.

Asthma: complications and prevention

If asthma is not treated, complications arise, namely:

• Pulmonary diseases: pneumonia, respiratory failure, emphysema, chronic obstructive bronchitis.
• Cardiac pathology – hypotension, heart attacks, heart failure, arrhythmia.
• The gastrointestinal tract may be affected by medications required for therapy.
• Possible fainting, nervous disorders, asthenia, emotional instability.

To prevent the disease from progressing, the following rules must be followed:

• Quit smoking;
• Clean residential areas as often as possible;
• Try to spend less time in places with polluted air;
• Limit contact with substances that cause allergic reactions;
• Treat respiratory diseases in a timely manner;
• Avoid products with chemical composition;
• Pets must be clean. If the diagnosis has already been made, then it is better not to start them;
• Take medications only as prescribed by doctors.

Treatment of patients with bronchial asthma is considered mandatory. This is a difficult process that lasts a lifetime. However, if you follow all doctor’s prescriptions, the prognosis is favorable.

Asthma code in ICD 10

In the international classification of diseases ICD 10, asthma is:

Class X. Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)

J40-J47 - Chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract

J45 - Asthma

• J45.0 Asthma with a predominance of an allergic component
• J45.1 Non-allergic asthma
• J45.8 Mixed asthma
• J45.9 Asthma, unspecified

Additionally:

J46 - Status asthmaticus

The problem of bronchial asthma has always been relevant - this disease has been known since the time of Hippocrates. Today, asthma affects from 1 to 8% of the world's population, depending on the country of residence. Moreover, over the past 2–3 decades, its prevalence has been steadily increasing, and its course has become more severe. The reason for this lies in the sharply increasing allergization of people associated with an increase in the number of industrial enterprises, environmental pollution, and the frequent use of chemicals in everyday life.

In this article we will talk about why bronchial asthma occurs and how it manifests itself, and also discuss the pathogenesis and classification of this disease.

What is bronchial asthma. Its classification

Bronchial asthma is a recurrent inflammatory process in the respiratory tract, characterized by a chronic, often progressive course, which is based on.

Depending on the factor that triggered the development of asthma, the disease is divided into 2 forms:

• infection-dependent (develops under the influence of viruses that damage the bronchial mucosa and increase the sensitivity of the receptors located in it, as a result of which bronchospasm occurs when the mucous membrane comes into contact with allergens that enter the respiratory tract from the outside);
• atopic (this diagnosis is made if the patient’s body is proven to be hypersensitive to a certain type of allergen).

There is a second classification of bronchial asthma - depending on the severity of the disease. Indicators of severity are the frequency of daytime and nighttime asthma attacks and data from instrumental research - peak flowmetry. According to this classification, there are 4 types of disease:

1. Episodic, or intermittent, bronchial asthma.

• Symptoms of the disease occur exclusively sporadically, no more than once a week; nocturnal attacks of suffocation are absent at all or occur less than 2 times a month during the last 3 months. During non-exacerbation periods, the patient feels well and has no complaints.
• PEF (peak expiratory flow) and FEV 1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) are more than 80% of the normal value.
• Fluctuations in PEF per day are no more than 20%.

1. Mild persistent bronchial asthma.

• Exacerbations occur more often than 2 times a week, and they disturb the general condition of the patient. Nocturnal attacks of suffocation more often than 2 times a month.
• PEF and FEV 1 are 60–80% of normal.
• PEF fluctuations during the day are 20–30%.

1. Persistent bronchial asthma of moderate severity.

• Symptoms of the disease are present every day, as a result of which the general condition of the patient suffers significantly - his physical activity is limited, his sleep is disturbed.
• Nocturnal attacks of suffocation bother the patient more often than once every 7 days.
• The patient needs to take daily bronchodilators - short-acting β 2 -agonists.
• FEV 1 and PEF are 60–80% of normal values.
• Daily fluctuations in these indicators are more than 30%.

1. Bronchial asthma is severe and persistent.

• Exacerbations of the disease are very frequent - symptoms are constantly present.
• Attacks of suffocation almost every night.
• The physical activity that a patient can perform without deteriorating well-being is minimal.
• FEV 1 and PEF are less than 60% of normal.
• Fluctuations in these indicators during the day are more than 30%.

The classification that was just discussed is extremely important for assessing the patient’s primary condition - when he has not yet received drugs for bronchial asthma. Subsequently, outside of an attack of suffocation, the effectiveness of the therapy received by the patient is assessed using this classification and, based on the data obtained, it is adjusted.

Causes and mechanism of development of bronchial asthma

Since asthma is a disease of an allergic nature, its etiological (i.e. causative) factors can be considered all those substances that, when they enter the bronchial mucosa, provoke their obstruction (blockage). The main groups of these factors are listed below.

1. Allergens:

• pollen (asthma caused by these allergens is typical - exacerbations occur annually at the same time period - when a particular plant blooms);
• household (feather pillows, dust - home and library);
• dermal (pet hair, human hair);
• food (citrus fruits, honey, chocolate, fish, nuts, legumes, cow's milk protein, etc.; since the period between eating a product and the development of asthma symptoms is usually quite long, patients often do not notice their asthmagenic effect);
• tick-borne;
• fungal.

1. Medications. Most often, attacks of bronchial asthma are provoked by a very common drug, namely acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin. People who develop bronchospasm after taking aspirin are diagnosed with aspirin-induced asthma. As a rule, in addition to bronchospasm, they have the following pathology. In addition to aspirin, other drugs from the NSAID group (in particular indomethacin, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid), beta-blockers (propranolol, nebivolol, etc.), and sulfonamides (biseptol) can also cause attacks of bronchial asthma.
2. Environmental factors. Bronchial asthma is more often recorded in environmentally unfavorable regions - with air polluted by industrial waste, high population density, and stagnant air masses.
3. Waste production. Acute and chronic exposure to certain substances on the human body can also cause bronchospasm. These can be paints and solvents, detergents, wood and/or plant dust (flour, green coffee beans, cedar), heavy metal salts (nickel, platinum), etc.
4. Exercise stress. Inhaling dry cold air during physical activity (even not very intense) can cause the development of bronchospasm. Warm, moist air, on the contrary, if not completely eliminate the attack, will at least soften its course. Asthma that develops after exercise is called “exertional asthma.”
5. Infectious agents. Previously, it was believed that both bacterial and viral infections are factors causing the development of bronchial asthma. Now scientists have come to the conclusion that no, the infection itself does not provoke attacks. Infectious agents damage the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, making it more susceptible to the effects of various other groups of allergens.
6. Emotions. In approximately every second patient with bronchial asthma, the improvement or deterioration of the condition is associated with a psychological mood: when a person is excited, irritated, under the influence of stress, the symptoms of the disease are more pronounced, and if he is calm, peaceful, and in a good mood, then he feels at least satisfactory .
7. Weather factors.
8. Bad habits, in particular smoking.
9. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

The last four factors contribute to the development of bronchial asthma and aggravate its course.

Under the influence of one or more of the factors mentioned above, a number of immunological reactions are triggered in the body, the result of which is broncho-obstruction - blockage of the bronchial lumen, caused by spasm of the smooth muscles of the bronchial walls, swelling of their mucous membrane and increased secretion production by the bronchial glands.

Symptoms of bronchial asthma

A typical symptom of this disease is an attack of expiratory (i.e., with the inability to exhale) suffocation. As a rule, an attack does not start out of the blue - it is preceded by the patient’s contact with an allergen, physical activity, a stressful situation, the patient’s inhalation of cold air, or a viral infection. After exposure to the causative factor, the precursor phase begins: symptoms of conjunctivitis appear.

Then the patient notices a feeling of heaviness, compression in the chest, a dry cough appears, exhalation lengthens, breathing quickens, and wheezing becomes audible in the distance. Heart rate and blood pressure also increase.

The immediate attack of suffocation looks like this from the outside: an intermittent, quick inhalation, followed by a sharply difficult, forceful, active exhalation, the duration of which is 3-4 times longer than the inhalation. As a result of this type of breathing, the lungs quickly overstretch, and the anterior-posterior size of the chest increases, as it seems to freeze during inhalation. In order to still exhale, the body involves auxiliary muscles (intercostal muscles, etc.) in the breathing process. For the same purpose, the patient takes a position called “orthopnea”: they sit, leaning forward and leaning on outstretched arms.

At the end of the attack, the cough intensifies and thick, glassy sputum is released in large quantities.

Summarizing what was written above, we can say that the most characteristic of bronchial asthma are 3 symptoms:

• breathing problems (expiratory dyspnea);
• dry distant wheezing.

These symptoms occur not only during an attack, but also outside of it, simply in the acute stage, but in the latter case they are less pronounced. Attacks can occur both during the day and at night.

In the remission stage, the patient’s condition is relatively satisfactory - there are no clinical signs of bronchial asthma.

The nature of the course of bronchial asthma in most cases depends on the age at which the disease debuted. In children suffering from this pathology from an early age, spontaneous remission occurs in adolescence. If the onset of bronchial asthma occurred in young or middle age, the disease can proceed differently: in some patients, after some time it also goes into remission, in others it can progress, be severe and cause serious complications, in others it proceeds in waves, with alternating exacerbations and remissions.

In conclusion, I would like to draw the reader’s attention to the fact that bronchial asthma is a serious disease, which, in order to avoid complications, is important to diagnose in the early stages and begin to treat as early as possible. This is exactly what we will discuss in our next article.

About the causes and symptoms of bronchial asthma in the program “Live Healthy!”:

Due to the increased sensitivity of the respiratory tract, the development of inflammatory processes in the tissues of the bronchial tree can occur under the influence of not only external, but also internal irritants. By monitoring the symptoms and treatment of bronchial asthma in adults, pulmonologists can achieve normalization of respiratory functions and prevent the occurrence of new attacks of asthma.

In order to stop possible complications in a timely manner, patients with respiratory problems should be informed how asthma begins and consult a doctor when the first signs appear.

Bronchial asthma is a chronic pathology of the respiratory tract, which is characterized by damage and swelling of the mucous membrane, as well as narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi, up to obstruction of the respiratory tract.

The disease has a progressive course and is accompanied by periodic attacks of suffocation.

According to WHO statistics, there are about 300 million people in the world with bronchial asthma.

The development of the disease can be triggered by various external factors:

• genetic predisposition. Cases of hereditary vulnerability to asthma are not uncommon. Sometimes the disease is diagnosed in representatives of each generation. If the parents are sick, the chance of avoiding pathology in the child is no more than 25%;
• influence of the professional environment. Damage to the respiratory tract from harmful fumes, gases and dust is one of the most common causes of asthma;
• allergens. Characteristic attacks of suffocation most often occur under the influence of external irritants - tobacco smoke, wool, feathers and particles of animal skin, dust mites, mold, strong odors, pollen and even cold air;
• irritants (triggers) of the bronchial mucosa - detergents, aerosols, some medications, sulfites in food, as well as severe nervous and emotional shocks.

Internal factors contributing to the development of bronchial hyperreactivity include dysfunction of the endocrine and immune systems.

Most often, complications of bronchial asthma are diagnosed in patients who are prone to excess weight and who prefer easily digestible carbohydrates and animal fats. Whereas in people whose diet is dominated by products of plant origin, the disease is mild, and severe forms of asthma are extremely rare.

Symptoms of the disease

Under the influence of pathogenic and allergenic factors, bronchial hyperreactivity occurs - increased irritability of the lining of the bronchial walls, a key link in the development of asthma of any type.

With an increase in bronchial reactivity, characteristic symptoms of asthma are observed:

• shortness of breath, heavy breathing, suffocation. Occur as a result of contact with an irritating factor;
• attacks of dry cough, more often at night or in the morning. In rare cases, it is accompanied by a slight release of clear mucous sputum;
• dry wheezing - whistling or creaking sounds that accompany breathing;
• difficulty in exhaling against the background of a full inhalation. To exhale, patients have to take an orthopneic position - sitting on the bed, firmly grasping the edge of the bed with their hands, while resting their feet on the floor. The fixed position of the patient facilitates the process of exhalation;
• respiratory failure causes general weakness, inability to perform physical work and is accompanied by cyanosis of the skin;
• headaches and dizziness;
• disturbance of cardiac activity - increased heart rate, up to bradycardia. The ECG shows overload of the right heart;
• loss of consciousness, convulsions.

Early signs of asthma development are short-term nighttime manifestations of increased bronchial reactivity. If you consult a doctor during this period and undergo a course of treatment, your health prognosis will be as favorable as possible.

Bronchial asthma according to ICD 10

According to the International Classification of Diseases, the term “bronchial asthma” is appropriate when diagnosing pathologies that correspond to a certain classification. The main parameters for determining the type of disease are its origin and severity.

Due to etiological characteristics, the following groups of bronchial asthma according to ICD 10 are distinguished:

• J.45. bronchial asthma, with the exception of chronic asthmatic bronchitis;
• J.45.0. atopic bronchial asthma, provided that one of the external allergens is identified;
• J.45.1. non-allergic asthma, including endogenous and drug-induced non-allergic;
• J.45.8. mixed form - occupational, aspirin, physical exertion asthma;
• J.45.9.unspecified, including asthmatic bronchitis and late-onset bronchial asthma;
• J.46.status asthmaticus is the most acute, life-threatening form of manifestation of the pathology.

In addition, many scientists insist on classifying asthma based on pathogenic effects. The atopic type includes bronchial pathologies that arise under the influence of allergens - non-infectious-atopic, infectious-atopic and mixed.

Asthma of the pseudoatopic type is characteristic of patients with impaired regulation of bronchial tone - aspirin, exercise-induced, infectious.

Thanks to the ICD-10 classification, not only the establishment of an accurate diagnosis has been simplified, but also the possibility of organizing adequate medical care.

Stages of the disease

Asthma is classified according to severity as follows:

The first stage of asthma development is intermittent, characterized by episodic attacks during the day and night. Motor activity and the ability to speak are maintained at a natural level.

The second stage of development is persistent mild, accompanied by frequent attacks and prolonged exacerbations. The patient's health worsens, and insomnia is observed at night.

This form of pathology is characterized by a decrease in respiratory parameters. However, the patient's physical and mental condition remains stable.

The third stage of asthma development is persistent moderate severity, accompanied by severe dysfunction of the respiratory system and damage to the bronchi.

The fourth stage of bronchial asthma is regarded as the most difficult and life-threatening. The attacks are prolonged and difficult to stop. Swelling of the bronchioles contributes to the accumulation of large amounts of thick sputum. As suffocation increases, tissue hypoxia is possible.

How dangerous is bronchial asthma?

In the absence of adequate treatment, bronchial asthma leads to the development of severe complications:

• pulmonary emphysema - irreversible pathological expansion of the lumen of the bronchioles, accompanied by destruction of the organ;
• infectious bronchitis. The addition of secondary infections is a consequence of the weakening of the functions of the immune and respiratory systems. The causative agents of infection can be not only viruses, but also bacteria or fungi;
• Cor pulmonale is an abnormal increase in the size of the right side of the heart. When decompensation develops, it leads to heart failure and death.

Other complications caused by asthmatic processes in the bronchi include ruptures of the lungs, accumulation of air in the pleural cavity, blockage of the lungs with accumulations of sputum, impaired pulmonary ventilation, replacement of functional lung tissue with connective tissue, as well as metabolic, gastrointestinal and brain lesions.

Treatment of asthmatic complications is possible only against the background of eliminating the disorders caused by the underlying disease.

Diagnosis of the disease

Even in the presence of characteristic symptoms of bronchial asthma, it is possible to establish an accurate diagnosis only after a full examination.

Diagnostic measures include the following studies:

• determination of indicators of the functionality of the respiratory system, in particular, parameters of external respiration - total tidal volume, reserve volume of inhalation and exhalation, residual lung volume;
• identifying susceptibility to allergies through tests;
• sputum analysis;
• blood tests;
• X-ray allows you to exclude other pathologies of the respiratory system.

A standard examination of a patient at the stage preceding the onset of asthma does not reveal the characteristic features of the disease. To obtain the necessary information, additional diagnostic methods are used.

Treatment of bronchial asthma

Treatment methods for bronchial asthma include two types of medical care - planned, intended to gain control over the disease, and urgent, providing relief from attacks at the time of exacerbation.

Maintenance therapy

The choice of therapeutic solutions depends on the type and severity of the disease.

Since the first stage of the disease is regarded as controlled, the basic treatment used is designed to eliminate the cause of asthma, neutralize exacerbations, and also maximize the potential of the immune system.

For this purpose, inhalations of b2-agonists and other bronchodilators, cromones Intal and Tailed, as well as short-acting theophylline are prescribed.

If the need to use inhalers increases, this means that control of the disease is lost and more intensive treatment is required.

To regain control of the disease, pulmonologists use inhaled glucocorticosteroids and immunocorrective therapy.

Relieving acute attacks with drugs

At the time of exacerbation of bronchial asthma, it is necessary to free the patient’s breathing as much as possible - unbutton the collar, remove the tie, and provide access to fresh air. Then they use fast-acting beta-agonists, tableted glucocorticosteroids and anticholinergic drugs, and be sure to call an ambulance.

Treatment with folk remedies

Traditional medicine recommends that asthmatics alleviate their condition with oregano tea, oat infusion, inhalation with ginger essential oil, and wild rosemary herb decoction. In addition, patients with asthma are advised to use salt lamps and halotherapy.

Prevention of bronchial asthma in adults

Prevention of asthmatic disease must be carried out not only for patients with an established diagnosis, but also for people at risk - smokers, allergy sufferers, and relatives of patients.

Basic preventive measures include:

• • • eliminating allergens or minimizing contact with them;
    • quitting smoking and other bad habits;
    • regular maintenance of hygiene measures in the premises;
    • timely replacement of old furniture, beds, curtains and other furnishings;
    • healthy food, excluding products containing preservatives and flavoring additives;
    • refusal to keep any pets