| We do not know for sure what causes asthma, the | | | | Asthma is treated with anti-inflammatory medications |
| chronic inflammation of the airways. What we do | | | | and bronchodilators (airway openers). Medications can |
| know is that allergies of certain kinds may cause | | | | be broadly categorized into long acting medications |
| asthma in some individuals. There are factors or | | | | and quick relief medications. Long acting medications |
| allergens like food, chemicals, air pollutants and drugs | | | | are for preventing attacks. The list includes various |
| that can trigger an attack. So, if you or one of your | | | | corticosteroids, bronchodilators, leukotriene inhibitors |
| loved ones has asthma, the first and foremost thing | | | | and aminophylline. |
| to do is to ascertain the risk factors. | | | | Quick relief medications are given during an attack to |
| An accurate diagnosis is the key to effective | | | | provide rapid relief. The short acting bronchodilators |
| treatment. Getting some asthma tests done in a | | | | like Proventil or Ventolin are used for opening up the |
| laboratory, would be a good start. | | | | airways and intravenous corticosteroids like |
| There are many tests which may be carried out | | | | methylprednisolone are used for reducing |
| depending on the severity of the disease. The two | | | | inflammation. Your doctor will be the best person to |
| most important asthma tests are: | | | | assess what medication might work for you |
| 1. Lung Function Tests - These tests includes | | | | depending on your allergen and other factors. |
| Spirometry and Metacholine Challenge Test which | | | | Nebulizers and inhalers are two devices that are |
| assess the functioning of the lungs | | | | often used for delivering medication to the lungs. The |
| 2. Allergy Test -This test helps in ascertaining which | | | | former turns liquid medicine into mist which is then |
| allergens are causing the asthma. | | | | delivered to your lungs while the latter sends a |
| Chest X-ray and arterial blood gas analysis are some | | | | metered dose in aerosol or dry powdered form. It is |
| of the other tests that are done for this condition. | | | | important to learn how to use these devices |
| Another test is the Peak flow measurement test. this | | | | correctly and practice them for effective delivery of |
| test helps measure how quickly you can blow air out | | | | the medicine. |
| of your lungs. This is an important test for monitoring | | | | Anyone might be inflicted with Asthma at any time. |
| and predicting an attack. If the recorded value is less | | | | It is important to understand the disease and learn |
| than fifty percent of that of a normal person, it | | | | how to live with it without letting it affect your |
| indicates possibility of severe attack. A value in the | | | | normal day to day functioning. |
| range of fifty percent to eight percent is an indication | | | | Self care plays an integral role in prolonging the |
| of a possibility of moderate attack of asthma. | | | | symptom free period. Home air filtration systems can |
| Once the risk factors and diagnosis have been | | | | prove to be highly beneficial. Monitoring your |
| ascertained, we come to asthma treatment. The fact | | | | symptoms in asthma management is just as |
| remains that there is no permanent cure for asthma. | | | | important as the diagnosis. Keeping a peak flow |
| But, that is no reason to be disheartened because | | | | meter handy always pays as it can warn you about |
| the symptoms can be well managed and even kept | | | | the impending attack. |
| at bay. | | | | After all, forewarned is forearmed! |