Asthma is a chronic airway disease that is a serious public health problem in many countries around the world. Asthma can be mild and does not interfere with the activity, but can be sedentary and interfere with activities and even daily activities. Productivity decreases due to absent work or school, and can lead to disability (disability), resulting in decreased productivity and lower quality of life.
Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disorder involving many cells and their elements. Chronic inflammation causes an increase in hypere responsive airway causing recurrent episodic symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, heavy chest and coughing, especially night and / or early morning. Although the exact cause of asthma is not known clearly, there are some things that often trigger it, such as cigarette smoke, dust, animal dander, physical activity, cold air, viral infections, or even exposure to chemicals. For someone who has asthma, the respiratory tract is more sensitive than others who do not live with this condition. When the lung is irritated on the trigger above, the respiratory tract muscles of the asthma will become stiff and make the channel narrow. In addition, there will be an increase in the production of sputum that makes breathing more difficult.
Asthma Treatment
There are two goals in the treatment of asthma, ie relieve symptoms and prevent symptoms of relapse. In order to support this goal, a doctor’s treatment plan is tailored to suit the patient’s condition. Treatment plans include ways to recognize and deal with worsening symptoms, as well as what medications to use. It is important for patients to recognize things that can trigger their asthma in order to avoid it. If asthma symptoms appear, a commonly recommended medication is a reliever inhaler. Whenever an asthma attack develops with symptoms that continue to worsen (slowly or rapidly) even if treated with an inhaler or other medication, the patient should be treated promptly at the hospital. Although rare, asthma attacks can be life-threatening
Asthma Control
If you happen to have asthma or live with asthma for a long time, do not worry about this condition because asthma is a disease that can still be controlled as long as you:
- Recognize and avoid asthma triggers.
- Following the asthma-handling plan made with the doctor.
- Recognize asthma attacks and take appropriate treatment steps.
- Use asthma medicines recommended by doctors on a regular basis.
- Monitor your airway condition.
If the use of fast-growing asthma relief inhalers is on the rise, consult your doctor immediately to get your asthma treatment plan adjusted again. In addition, it is advisable to vaccinate influenza and pneumonia regularly to prevent the worsening of asthma disease caused by both diseases.
Source: Alodokter.com and Guidelines for Diagnosis & Management of Asthma in Indonesia