Breathe Easy!, says RBH expert
Manama : With the weather changing, Dr Maria Teresa, Specialist, Pulmonology at Royal Bahrain Hospital brings to light how to manage Asthma along with the different kinds of medication that can help relieve and control the condition.
Asthma is a chronic illness that has no cure but can be controlled. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing and chest tightness. Airways are sensitive enough that it can be triggered by anything but triggers vary from one person to another. Examples of these triggers include, allergens such as dust mites, moulds, pollen, animal dander or food.
Respiratory illnesses such as cold and flu can trigger asthma attacks. Exposure to irritants like smoke, cigarette, sprays, air fresheners, perfume or any strong odor can also cause asthma exacerbation. Exercise, cold air and extreme emotions can cause symptoms in others.
When diagnosing Asthma, doctors usually ask about related allergies like rhinitis and eczema and family history of asthma. Investigations like spirometry and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) are requested to confirm the condition.
What happens during an Asthma Attack? Dr Maria Teresa says: “Smooth muscle contractions or bronchoconstriction and inflammation of mucosa narrow the small airway as secretion increases, which causes blockage making it difficult to breathe.”
Treatments start with prescribing inhalers that relax the muscle of the tubes relieving the bronchoconstriction and reduce the inflammation of the mucosa thereby reducing the secretions. The goal is to control the asthma so that asthmatic patients can go on daily activities without any breathing problems. Medications come in forms of controllers or preventers given for patients with frequent symptoms and should be used daily and even during symptom-free days. In addition, relievers are medications used on as needed basis as a rescue medicine for immediate relief of symptoms, which can be used and stopped anytime.
Patients need to work hand-in-hand with their Doctor and follow medication instructions carefully to better manage their lives with Asthma. “Bronchial Asthma should not restrict and control your life, try to enjoy it!” says Dr. Maria.
Consult Dr. Maria Teresa, Pulmonology Specialist at Royal Bahrain Hospital should you have any of the aforementioned
symptoms.
For more information and appointments, call 17246800, WhatsApp on 32181810 or book online on www.royalbahrainhospital.com. You can now also download the Royal Bahrain Hospital Mobile App on iOS and Android devices.
For Consultations & Appointments, contact: 1724 6800 or email: mail@royalbahrainhospital.com
For PR related queries, contact: 1724 6905 or email: pr@royalbahrainhospital.com
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