Chest infection

ASTHMA

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It is an allergic condition characterised by paroxysmal attacks of dyspnoea accompanied by wheezing,chiefly expiratory in nature,associated with bronchial spasm.

TYPES

  1. Extrinsic – Starts in childhood,becomes alright in adult life.
  2. Intrinsic- Starts in adult,continue rest of life.

CAUSES

  • Psychic upset- emotional strain,anxiety,worry,etc.
  • Bronchial stimulation- by cold air or fog,dust,fumes etc.
  • Bronchial infection by various pathogenic organisms.
  • Allergy to various- (a)-inhalants,ex-pollens,room dust,book dust,orris-root powder,animal and flower emanations,drugs,gum acacia etc.
  • (b)-Ingestants,ex-eggs,milk,fish,cheese,crabs,drugs,etc.
  • Smoking and Second hand smoke.

RISK FACTORS

  • Heredity
  • Sex Both
  • Mostly start is chilhood or younger age..

PATHOLOGY

During the attacks,lungs are voluminous and emphysematous,filling the entire pleural cavities Area of emphysema alternates with the areas of atelectasis or collapse.If asthma associated with bronchitis,emphysema ensues.

SYMPTOMS

  • Dyspnea
  • Cyanosis,pale.
  • Tachycardia
  • Wheezing Sound during respiration.
  • Anxiety
  • Breathless
  • Chest pain
  • Severe Cough(Occurs at night)(dry or with phlegm)

INVESTIGATION

  • X-Ray Cest
  • CBC
  • ESR
  • Sputum Culture
  • Test By Spirometry
  • Peak flow test
  • Allergy Test
  • Sinus X-ray

COMPLICATIONS

  • Lung infection
  • Status Asthmaticus.
  • Bronchitis or Tuberculosis
  • Emphysema of lungs
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Heart Attack

PROGNOSIS

The individual attacks is good ,except in severe status asthmaticus where there is occasionally a fatal outcome.Spontaneous recovery is fairly common in episodic asthma,particularly in children,but rare in chronic asthma,which often causes permanent pulmonary damage.

PREVENTION

Prevention of cold ,dust,infection,food avoid allergens.Rest in bed in propped up position on a back rest or sitting up in a chair which one is comfortable.Control of infection by appropriate antibiotics.

MANAGEMENT & TREATMENT

  • Anti Inflammatory Drugs Should be use.
  • Psychotherapy make good role.
  • Bronchodilators Uses makes better relief.
  • Inhaler and Inhaled Corticosteroids.
  • Deriphyllin, Theophylline Ampicilin,Azithromycin.
  • Nebulization is first .(Asthalin ,Budecort)
  • In Chronic and Severe conditions O2 applied.
  • Breathing Exercise, Yoga And meditation.
  • Follow the prevention and instructions given by your Doctor.