Every May of May, World Asthma Day is commemorated, a diagnosis that is on our country, as well as its subdiagnosis, according to specialists. In that sense, the various factors that cause it are detailed, especially in these cold times.
Bronchial asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by the inflammation of the bronchi.
It is a condition that does not have a cure, however, the use of maintenance treatment allows control of its effects and a normal daily life, according to Dr. Ana María Herrera, a childish childhood bronchopulmonary of the Santa María Clinic.
“The prevalence of asthma in general in Chile is high, It is believed that it can be around 10% of the population, so there are many subdiagnoses. Episodes, for example, such as the increase in respiratory viruses, when there is a lot of contamination, those that trone the bronchial obstruction and make the disease manifest, ”says Dr. Felipe Saavedra, bronchopulmonary of Clinic Ciudad del Mar Clinic.
“Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, which causes an obstruction due to bronchial hyperreactivity next to excessive mucus production,” details Dr. Ronald Reid, a bronchopulmonary doctor of the Center for Respiratory Diseases and Allergies of Clinic University of Los Andes.
“As a consequence, the roads narrow, hindering breathing and generating symptoms that can vary both in their frequency and in intensity,” he adds.
Causes of asthma
During the cold times, the population looks for heating modes and many of them go to firewood stoves, which expel the smoke that increases asthma cases.
Given this, Dr. Herrera warns of pollution at home, especially tobacco smoke or heating with firewood or paraffin that produces irritation of the respiratory tract.
This last factor is not the only one, environmental pollution is also causing the rise in diagnoses, as well as respiratory viruses.
“While atmospheric and intra -demiciliary pollution aggravates the panorama, smoke or smog particles produce an increase in bronchoconstriction on the airways,” says Dr. Jorge Yáñez, Bronchopulmonary of Biobío Clinic.
Allergens
“Cold or temperature changes can affect asthmatic patients, increasing symptoms,” adds the expert.
As indicated by the prestigious clinical Health site, exposure to several irritants and substances that trigger allergies (allergens), can cause signs and symptoms of asthma.
Among these are airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, animals dandruff or cockroaches waste particles.
-They are added certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin and non -steroidal anti -inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and sodium naproxen. For their part, some types of food and drinks, including shrimp, dehydrated fruits, processed potatoes, beer and wine.
In addition, gastroesophageal reflux disease, a disorder in which stomach acids accumulate in the throat, can also cause this diagnosis.
Risk factors
According to the health site, there are also risk factors that increase the probabilities of asthma diagnosis.
– Have a consanguineous relative with asthma, as a father or brother
– Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis, which causes redness and itching of the skin, or hay fever, which causes nasal drip, congestion and itching to the eyes
– Overweight
– Being smoker
– Exhibition as passive smoker
– Exposure to exhaust gases or other types of pollution
– Exposure to chemical substances used in agriculture, hairdressing and manufacturing industries
Asthma symptoms
Once the various factors that increase or cause asthma, it is correct to make clear the symptoms of this condition, which could also give a clue about the possibility that respiratory problems can be asthma not diagnosed.
Among the most common symptoms is Difficulty breathing, whistles in the chest (especially nocturnal or with effort), pain or feeling of chest oppression, persistent cough (which can get worse with laughter), complications for sleeping and prolonged coldsexperts agree.
These symptoms can be aggravated by physical activity, exposure to environmental allergens or pollutants, and even abrupt climatic changes.
When to go to a doctor?
Given the presence of these symptoms, it is necessary to go to the doctor for proper care or diagnosis of the disease.
Dr. Rodrigo Sagardia, Help general practitioner, details one of the most specific signals that require immediate medical care.
“When there is no adequate response or the patient presents purple lips and signs of great difficulty breathingit is preferable to transfer it to an emergency service and not try to attack the crisis at home, ”he explains.
Treatments
As for treatment, although asthma has no cure, its control is possible thanks to adequate medical treatments.
These include inhaled corticosteroids that reduce inflammation and prevent the appearance of symptoms, or bronchodilators that act quickly to relieve symptoms in case of asthmatic crisis.
In addition to pharmacological treatment, a fundamental pillar in the management of asthma is the identification and avoidance of triggers, minimizing risk factors such as smoking, exposure to pollution and allergens, and preventing avoidable viral infections.
