by H. Farhadian. M.D., F.A.A.P
An estimated 12.5 million Americans suffer from asthma and this number is increasing every year.
This condition is a chronic life long disease and even though there is no cure, but in most majority of times, could be brought under control.
Asthma is hereditary and they have not been able to find one cause for the disease and they believe there are many factors (multifactorial), rather than one specific etiology. However, they believe a defect on chromosome 5 and probably 6 to be present.
Exercise, over exertion, viral or bacterial infections and breathing cold air have been found to be major causes or triggering factors for asthma.
This condition is more severe and prevalent in African Americans and low socio-economic group.
There are several deaths every year in the United States due to asthma, and despite of many progresses in treating the condition, the number of hospitalizations and death in severe asthmatics has been increased.
The asthmatic symptoms are due to inflammation, hyper-reactivity, and spasm of the bronchial tubes and vary from just simple dry cough to moderate to severe wheezing, shortness of breath, and expectoration of thick and tenacious phlegm.
The diagnosis of asthma for the specialist is not difficult in most cases, however certain conditions sometimes mimic asthma and should be differentiated from non-asthmatics. In many people who have asthma specially children, may suffer of allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching of the nose, eyes, throat, and nasal congestion and discharge.
It’s important to know that in chronic asthmatics, condition is worsened when they have a cold and specially sinus infection, and without the treatment of infection, the asthma does not improve.
Also there are some patients that suffer from "GE Reflex" or GERD, in which condition the stomach content and acid backs up in the esophagus (food pipe) and this condition causes cough, wheezing, and symptoms only subside by treating the reflux.
In another condition, there are some drugs such as ACE inhibitors that are used for heart conditions and hypertension may cause a constant dry cough, which will not be controlled without discontinuing these medications.
The treatment of asthma is preferred to be under the care of a specialist.
Avoidance and precautions are important. Avoiding dust mite (present in house dust), cockroaches, pets with wool, and birds are some of priorities. Cold air and specially running in dry cold air must be avoided.
The most effective therapy for chronic asthma is anti-inflammatory agents.
Now there are new non-steroid agents available in category of antileukotrienes such as Accolate and Singular that are very effective with minimal side effects.
Finally, if the cause of asthma is an allergy, the cause should be recognized by an allergist and treated accordingly.
There are several exciting researches and studies underway that may result in invention of new therapies that would be more effective and convenient for treatment of this mysterious disease.
For more information, call:
Santa Clarita Valley: (661) 259-6996
Antelope Valley: (661) 266-3322