HOME
Dr. Fred Piaser
Our Office
Newsletters
CONSERVATION
Longevity and Diet
Related Links
Parent and Child
ALLERGY ALERT
Contacting Us
Member Login
|
Asthma
About ten million people in the U.S. have asthma, and three million of them are
under 18 years of age. A current working definition of the disease would include
the following characteristics:
- airway obstruction that is reversible, either
spontaneously or following treatment (though not completely so in subjects with
severe disease)
- airway inflammation
- increased airway responsiveness to a variety of stimuli.
Within the past decade emphasis has shifted away from the long
held focus on “bronchospasm” as the major element in the airway obstruction to a
new appreciation of the inflammatory nature of the disease. There is inflammation
of the air tubes of the lungs caused by a variety of stimuli. This inflammation is
associated with spasm and swelling of the bronchial tubes and their branches.
Narrowing of these air passages with the thickening of secretions causes a ball
valve-like effect resulting in difficulty in breathing out (wheezing). Asthma is
like forcing air through a partially clamped tube. Asthma describes a non contagious
condition.
Asthma is a disease of the airways in the lungs caused by sensitivity
to certain stimuli, or “triggers.” These triggers make the airways tighten, swell,
and fill with mucus. When this happens, symptoms such as shortness of breath,
wheezing, tightness in the chest, and coughing occurs.
Not everyone has all of the symptoms. Persistent cough alone may be the first
symptom, especially in young children. But once you know you have asthma, it is
important to treat even minor symptoms because they can signal a more serious
flare-up that’s on its way.
What triggers an asthma attack? The triggers vary from person to person, but
these are some of the most common: pollen, weather changes, especially cold,
cigarette smoke, strong odors, smog, certain foods, molds, certain animals, house
dust and exercise.
Being upset, laughing or crying hard, or having a cold or flu can also start
an asthma episode. Almost any stress, exercise, infection, allergy, or nervous
tension, can precipitate an asthma attack. If the cause of asthma is known and
controlled, the asthma can often be controlled.
Although asthma attacks can come on quickly, there are usually early warning
signs such as a cough, scratchy throat, or tightness in the chest. If you use a peak
air flow monitor, which measures how well your lungs are functioning, a low peak
flow reading of 20% below your personal best is a warning signal. Keeping a personal
diary of any symptoms and the times of their occurrence can help you identify
patterns of events leading to serious asthma episodes.
You should suspect asthma whenever your child has
- Wheezing or coughing
- Shortness of breath
- difficulty in breathing
- Rapid breathing
- "Inpulling" between the ribs
An asthma attack is treated as follows:
- Give the medication that I prescribe. It may be a bronchodilator or an
anti-inflationary medication. It may be an oral (liquid or pill) or an inhaled
medication.
- Encourage (do not force) fluids of the child’s choice. Avoid cold liquids.
- Vaporizer: Cool steam is best. (Do not add medication to water) The
vaporizer should be cleaned daily, since germs can grow in stagnant water.
- Rest: Physical and emotional, without activities which may excite the
child.
Reassure the child, relieve anxiety, and if the child is apprehensive,
explain that a spasm is taking place and that he will feel better by resting and
taking the prescribed medications. Reassurance and relief of emotional tension is
extremely important. Do not show your anxiety before the child. The room should be
free of dust, smoke, animal dander, or any other item which may cause the asthma.
|
