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Astma

Asthma is a chronic condition causing airway inflammation, leading to breathing difficulty, wheezing, and coughing.

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Dr. C. Alexandru

Dr. C. Alexandru

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Dr. Cosmin Alexandru turi daugiau nei 20 metų patirtį skubios ir šeimos medicinos srityse, šiuo metu dirba Sibiu apskrities klinikinėje ligoninėje.

Asthma

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes the airways to become swollen and narrowed, making it difficult to breathe. It leads to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma can be mild or severe and is often triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air or respiratory infections.

Common Asthma Triggers:

  • Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold.
  • Respiratory Infections: Colds, flu, bronchitis.
  • Irritants: Smoke, strong odors, pollution.
  • Exercise-Induced Asthma: Physical activity can cause airway narrowing.
  • Weather Changes: Cold air, humidity, or sudden temperature shifts..

Who Needs Asthma Treatment?

Asthma treatment is recommended for individuals who:

  • Experience frequent shortness of breath or wheezing.
  • Wake up at night due to coughing or breathing difficulties.
  • Need to use a rescue inhaler more than twice a week.
  • Struggle with physical activity due to breathing problems.
  • Have had severe asthma attacks requiring emergency care.

Best Ways to Treat & Manage Asthma

Asthma is managed with inhalers, daily medications, and lifestyle adjustments to reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Quick-Relief (Rescue) Inhalers: Provide immediate relief during asthma attacks:
  • Short-acting bronchodilators: Salbutamol (Ventolinas, Airomir, Salamol, Bricanyl) quickly relax airway muscles.
  • Anticholinergic inhalers: Ipratropium (Atrovent, Combivent) reduces mucus production and opens airways.
Long-Term Control Medications: Taken daily to prevent asthma symptoms:
  • Inhaled Corticosteroids: Reduce airway inflammation (Budesonide, Clenil Modulite, Pulmicort, Alvesco, Flixotide, QVAR).
  • Combination Inhalers: Contain corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators (Symbicort, Seretide, Relvar Ellipta, Foster NEXThaler, Flutiform).
  • Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists: Montelukast (Singulair) reduces inflammation and helps prevent asthma attacks.
  • Long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs): Salmeterol (Serevent), Indacaterol (Onbrez) keep airways open longer.
  • Biologic Therapy: Xolair is prescribed for severe allergic asthma that doesn’t respond to standard treatments.
Asthma Monitoring & Prevention:
  • Peak flow meters track lung function and detect early warning signs of worsening asthma
  • Avoiding known triggers (e.g., smoke, dust, pollen) can prevent flare-ups. Quit smoking is the best thing to do.
  • Taking medications consistently helps keep symptoms under control.

A well-managed asthma plan can:

  • Reduce asthma attacks and hospital visits.
  • Improve lung function and overall breathing.
  • Allow full participation in physical activities.
  • Enhance daily life with fewer symptoms and better sleep.

When treating asthma, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure safe and effective results.

  • Rescue inhalers provide quick relief but do not replace daily asthma medications.
  • Long-term medications should be taken even when symptoms are under control.
  • An asthma action plan helps manage symptoms and handle flare-ups.
  • Regular check-ups with a doctor are important to monitor lung function.

Dažniausiai užduodami klausimai

Get answers to common questions about Asthma

The best inhaler depends on the severity of asthma. Ventolin, Airomir, and Salamol are common quick-relief inhalers, while Symbicort, Seretide, and Relvar Ellipta are used for long-term control.
If you need your rescue inhaler more than twice a week, wake up at night with asthma symptoms, or struggle with daily activities due to breathing problems, your asthma may need better control.
Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed with medications and lifestyle changes. Many people with asthma live normal, active lives when their condition is well controlled.
  • Use inhalers daily as prescribed, even when feeling fine.
  • Monitor lung function with a peak flow meter.
  • Avoid common triggers like pollen, dust, and smoke.
  • Get flu vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections.
Seek medical help if:
  • Your asthma symptoms do not improve with medication or get worse.
  • You need your rescue inhaler more than twice a week.
  • You have frequent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath that affects daily activities.
  • You experience difficulty breathing even while resting.
  • You have had a severe asthma attack that required emergency care.

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