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Shortness of breath, suffocation, persistent dry cough, wheezing and tight chest sensation are some of the main symptoms of asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that today, May 5, is commemorated worldwide.
“It is a pathology that occurs due to inflammation of the bronchi, which due to different factors narrow and prevent the normal passage of air to the lungs. “These signs can occur when making physical effort, at night or in the middle of a cold, but the important thing is to know that they are not isolated episodes, if not repeated, so you have to treat it”, explained Dr. Gino Fuentes, bronchopulmonary coordinator of the Bupa Santiago Clinic.
Asthma is a much more frequent disease than we think. It is the most common chronic pathology in childhood, and in recent years it has been increasing markedly.
“In Chile, the prevalence in children is about 15%, and 10% in adolescents. So on this World Asthma Day It is important to highlight the importance of treating this disease, since there is no cure. With appropriate medications and avoiding exposure to triggers, patients can control symptoms and prevent crises. “, assured Dr. Felipe Erpel, bronchopulmonary from Clínica Bupa Santiago.
In addition to genetic factors –related mainly to mothers who are smoking during pregnancy or hereditary–, the main triggers of asthma are related to viral infections and allergies, such as those dust mites, pollens, animal hair, and fungi. Air pollutants and exposure to tobacco smoke, firewood, aerosols, or paint chemicals also play a role.
“For the diagnosis of this disease, it is very important to listen to the patient’s history. However, not all asthma is the same and does not respond identically to the same treatment. Thus, it is relevant to have exams such as Spirometry, FENO, Total IgE, eosinophil count in the CBC, among others, for an adequate characterization, “explained Erpel.
According to what Fuentes mentioned, inhaled corticosteroids are generally indicated for the long-term management of this respiratory disease, which help control inflammation of the bronchi. “They should be used permanently, even if there are no symptoms, nor should they be suspended without the supervision of the attending physician”says Dr. Fuentes.
Regarding this, the specialists also added that the correct use of the aerochamber is relevant.
Keys to prevent asthma attacks
· Maintain treatment permanently.
· Use inhalers correctly.
· Identify and avoid the triggers of crises.
· Perform periodic medical control, according to each patient.
Short questions and answers:
1. What is asthma?
A chronic respiratory disease that occurs due to inflammation of the bronchi, which due to different factors narrow and prevent the normal passage of air to the lungs.
2. What are the symptoms of asthma?
Difficulty breathing, suffocation, persistent dry cough, wheezing and tight chest sensation are some of the main symptoms of this disease that today, May 5, is commemorated worldwide.
3. How is it treated?
It is a pathology that has no cure, but it can be controlled in the long term by maintaining medical treatment and avoiding triggers of crises.
4. What factors trigger crises?
It depends on the patient, but in general they are related to viral infections and allergies, such as dust mites, pollens, animal hair and fungi.
5. What are the main medications used in treatment?
Inhaled corticosteroids, which should be used permanently, even if there are no symptoms, as well as stopping them without the supervision of the attending physician.
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