Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease that inflames the lungs airways.
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Health Dictionary | Por: Eurofarma Laboratórios
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways due to the exaggerated response of the bronchi to some stimulus, and it also compromises the lungs.
Causes
There is no definite cause for asthma, since each patient has a different sensitivity. Therefore, it is important to identify the disease causative agent. About 80% of the patients shows symptoms as seizures due to exposure to airborne particles, such as dust mites, dust, pollen, pollution, etc.
Symptom
Dyspnea, dry cough and chest tightness. According to the World Health Organization, asthma occupies the first place in the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in the world. In Brazil, 4.4% of people aged 18 years or older reported suffering from the disease (6.3 million), according to IBGE.
Diagnosis
The asthma diagnosis is based on the symptoms presented by the patient and his/her medical history, being among the most important symptoms the dyspnea, wheezing, cough and sensation of thoracic tightness. The doctor may also use exams such as the pulmonary function and spirometry (which evaluates the bronchi narrowing).
Prevention
There is no effective prevention against asthma. Allergy tests may indicate the attacks cause. Healthy habits can help in the disease treatment.
Treatment
Treatment to control asthma attacks can be done by using continuous-use medications. The medication choice will depend on the patient's profile, and may be inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, bronchodilators, among others.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways due to the exaggerated response of the bronchi to some stimulus, and it also compromises the lungs.
Causes
There is no definite cause for asthma, since each patient has a different sensitivity. Therefore, it is important to identify the disease causative agent. About 80% of the patients shows symptoms as seizures due to exposure to airborne particles, such as dust mites, dust, pollen, pollution, etc.
Symptom
Dyspnea, dry cough and chest tightness. According to the World Health Organization, asthma occupies the first place in the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in the world. In Brazil, 4.4% of people aged 18 years or older reported suffering from the disease (6.3 million), according to IBGE.
Diagnosis
The asthma diagnosis is based on the symptoms presented by the patient and his/her medical history, being among the most important symptoms the dyspnea, wheezing, cough and sensation of thoracic tightness. The doctor may also use exams such as the pulmonary function and spirometry (which evaluates the bronchi narrowing).
Prevention
There is no effective prevention against asthma. Allergy tests may indicate the attacks cause. Healthy habits can help in the disease treatment.
Treatment
Treatment to control asthma attacks can be done by using continuous-use medications. The medication choice will depend on the patient's profile, and may be inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, bronchodilators, among others.
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This material is for informational purposes only. It should not be used to perform self-diagnosis or self-medication. When in doubt, always consult your doctor.