Understand Asthma (دمہ) To Manage It Better

Asthma is called dmaa (دمہ) in Urdu.

Asthma is a chronic condition affecting lungs characterized by inflammation and narrowing of airways making breathing difficult. Symptoms like cough, wheezing, and chest congestion are part and parcel of asthma. It is also referred to as chronic respiratory disease or bronchial asthma. Asthma affects 334 million people worldwide. It is estimated that 20% of the pediatric population in Pakistan is suffering from asthma. Statistical data from the last few decades denotes an increase in the prevalence of this disorder in both child and adult population of Pakistan. To get this problem addressed properly you will need to find and consult a pulmonologist.

Symptoms of Asthma

Symptoms of asthma appear due to inflammation and overproduction of sticky mucus in bronchioles. The symptoms of asthma include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Breathlessness
• Tightness, pain, and pressure in the lungs.

Asthma symptoms vary from patient to patient. While some may have all the classic symptoms others may have only a few of these. Symptoms of asthma may even differ from one attack to another in the same patient. In many people, symptoms remain subsided for long intervals worsening periodically during asthma attacks only. Some people suffer from asthma during exercise only this is called exercise-induced asthma. Others can face this when affected by viral infections and cold. Mild asthma attacks are common compared to severe ones that need immediate medical attention. It is important to recognize and treat even mild forms of asthma to limit the chances of severe asthma attacks that can be life-threatening. If you need to consult the best pulmonologist in Pakistan you can use marham.pk.

Types Of Asthma

Asthma is classified into four different types according to the severity and frequency of symptoms.

Mild Intermittent Asthma

This is a case where there are few asthma attacks, mild asthma symptoms appearing less than twice a week, and nighttime symptoms fewer than twice a month.

Mild Persistent Asthma

This kind of asthma may interfere with daily life activities as symptoms occur 3-6 times a week. Nighttime symptoms are 3-4 times a month.

Moderate Persistent Asthma

With symptoms occurring 3-6 times per week and nighttime symptoms surface 3-4 times in a month. This type of asthma can disrupt the routine life of the affected people.

Severe Persistent Asthma

Symptoms continue 24 hours and this condition can necessitate patients to limit everyday activities.

Treatment Of Asthma

Understanding asthma treatment options for short-term relief and long-term control is essential for anyone suffering from asthma. This will aid in improving your quality of life and better management of the condition. In case of an asthma attack, you should know when to seek help to avoid the progression of the condition into a medical emergency.

An important part of asthma treatment is the Asthma Action Plan. This is where your doctor helps you to recognize and understand your symptoms and manage your condition accordingly. Having an Asthma Action Plan in place enables you to make directed efforts. This plan may have instructions regarding:

• How to analyze if your symptoms are getting worse?
• Which medicine to take in case of an asthma attack?
• What care to follow when you have no symptoms?
• Contact details of a doctor in case of an emergency?
• How to manage asthma triggers?
• How to recognize you are in a state of a medical emergency?
• What to do in case of a medical emergency?

Asthma medicines include those that you inhale to open up tightened airways. These make breathing easier and relieve symptoms in case of an asthma attack. No one should use these medicines more than twice a day without informing their doctor. These include:

• Short-acting beta-agonists
• Anticholinergics
• Oral corticosteroids
• Combination quick-relief medications

Other types of medicines prescribed for asthma are those meant fo prevention and long term management of this condition. These include:

• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists
• Combination inhaled medicines
• Biologics
• Leukotriene modifiers
• Cromolyn
• Theophylline
• Long-acting bronchodilators
• Oral corticosteroids

Many people believe in home remedies for asthma. These might work for some people but remember in case of severe asthma attacks do not rely on any home remedy as the condition may worsen rapidly. Also staying in touch with your pulmonologist is important to keep your treatment plan up to date.