By Glory oyebamiji
Asthma is a severe lung disorder that can affect persons of any age. It is caused by inflammation and stiffness of the muscles in the airways, making it difficult to breathe.Signs may include sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. These symptoms can be either severe or moderate, and they fluctuate over time.Although asthma can be a dangerous condition, it is curable with the right medicines. People who are experiencing signs of asthma should consult a doctor.
Asthma is frequently overlooked and undertreated, especially in countries with low or middle incomes such as Nigeria. People with untreated asthma may experience sleep disturbances, tiredness during the day, and impaired focus. People with asthma and their families may miss work and classes, causing financial strain on the family and the community. If symptoms are severe, people with asthma may require emergency medical care and be admitted to the hospital for treatment and monitoring. In the most severe cases, asthma can be catastrophic. The symptoms of asthma differ from individual to person. Symptoms can sometimes become much worse. This is commonly referred to as an asthmatic attack. Symptoms are usually worse at night or during exercising
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA
1. Constant cough, particularly at night.
2. Sneezing when exhaling and occasionally when inhaling.
3. Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, even at rest.
4. Chest stiffness makes deep breathing difficult. Some people’s symptoms intensify when they have a cold or when the weather changes. Other likely causes include dust, smoke, gases, grass and tree dust, animal fur, and feathers. A number of factors have been linked to an increased chance of having asthma, but it can be difficult to determine a single, direct reason. Asthma is more likely to be hereditary if other family members have it in particular a close relative, such as a parent or sibling. Asthma is more likely in patients with other allergy disorders, such as eczema.
I TREATMENT FOR ASTHMA
Inhaler devices can help control the illness and allow people with asthma to maintain a normal, lively existence. There are two major kinds of inhalers:
1. Bronchodilators (like salbutamol) that broaden lungs and reduce symptoms.
2. Steroids (such as beclometasone) thpreventableat reduce irritation in the airways, decreasing asthma symptoms and minimizing the risk of serious complications and death.
People with asthma and their families deserve training in order to understand more about their condition. This includes their treatment options, motivating factors, and home symptom management strategies.