Asthma
is a disease of the airways of the lungs which is characterized by
increased sensitivity of the airways to a variety of triggers. It is
generally an episodic disease, i.e., acute attacks followed by symptom
free periods. Though most attacks are generally short lived, sometimes
serious conditions occur in which severe Asthma is unrelieved for many
hours or even days, like in status asthmaticus.
Who is affected? It occurs in all age groups, but is
found to be more common in children. It tends to affect both sexes
equally.
Types of Asthma: There are two types of Asthma---
Allergic and Idiosyncratic. Allergic Asthma: This type is often
associated with personal or family history of other types of allergic
diseases like hay fever, rhinitis, eczema etc.
The offending agents causing Asthma:
- Environment and air pollution.
- Certain drugs like Aspirin.
- Occupational factors like working with animal skins, chemicals,
stone dust etc.
- Infections of the chest or Upper respiratory Tract can bring
about an acute attack of Asthma.
- Exercise and emotional stress.
Clinical Features: The most characteristic features of Asthma
are--- breathlessness, cough and wheezing. The attack often occurs at
night but may also occur abruptly due to one of the precipitating
factors mentioned above.
The patient often experiences a tight sensation in the chest along with
dry cough. Sometimes a long standing dry cough maybe the only indication
of Asthma.
