Asthma control: Knowing the triggers and treatment options

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Dang Huy Toan - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
An asthma treatment plan is a tool that doctors develop based on the cause of an individual patient's asthma, including instructions for taking medications and how to monitor respiratory symptoms. After diagnosis, it is important for patients to work closely with their doctor to control their asthma.

1. An overview of asthma control

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow. Symptoms of an asthma attack may include:
Cough Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe) Chest tightness Difficulty breathing. There are many other conditions that present similar symptoms to asthma, so it's important to see a doctor for a definitive diagnosis.
According to the US FDA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 8.3% of Americans have asthma (nearly 27 million people). In addition, severe asthma accounts for only 5 - 15% of the total number of patients, but consumes up to 40% of the total treatment costs.
There is no cure for asthma and in most cases, medical professionals do not know what causes it. However, there are several ways for people living with asthma to manage symptoms and reduce the severity of asthma attacks. Patients can better control their asthma by working closely with their allergist or pulmonologist to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Not everyone with asthma has the same symptoms, nor can they take the same medication. Developing an individualized treatment plan can help patients understand asthma triggers, as well as ensure they have the medications they need to reduce their severity. The treatment protocol should include information on how to take the medications and what to do if symptoms become more severe.
MORE: Inhalation inhaler for asthma control

2. Identify the causes of asthma

An important element of an asthma treatment regimen is identifying the triggers that can make asthma worse. The causes of asthma can be different for each person. Knowing exactly what triggers and finding ways to limit them can help you prevent an asthma attack. The most common triggers include:
Tobacco smoke Dust mites Air pollution Cockroaches Pet hairs Plant pollens Mold Mold Infections Inappropriate movement Strong scents (such as perfumes). Talk with your doctor about asthma causes and consider ways to limit triggers.

3. Treat your asthma with the right medication

If left untreated, asthma can cause long-term lung damage. Furthermore, acute asthma attacks are also life-threatening, requiring emergency hospitalization. Patients should discuss with their doctor about appropriate asthma treatment, which may include medications, and how to safely take them. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved many prescription asthma treatments. Because asthma symptoms can vary from person to person, not all medications are appropriate for every patient.
Asthma medications are divided into two groups:
Rapid control: Quickly control symptoms of an acute asthma attack. For example, the emergency medicine albuterol helps open up the bronchial tubes in the lungs. Long-term control: Medications, including inhaled corticosteroids, help reduce asthma flare-ups and, if present, milder, but won't help you during an acute asthma attack. Regular treatment will help improve lung function, as well as prevent asthma symptoms and flare-ups, and reduce the need for emergency medication.

Recently, the FDA approved a new version of Primatene Mist, an over-the-counter (OTC) emergency medicine for the treatment of symptoms of mild asthma. Primatene Mist is only approved for use by people 12 years of age and older. It is not recommended for younger children because effectiveness or safety is unknown. It is the only over-the-counter asthma medication approved by the FDA. In addition, a number of other asthma products have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness.
Note, OTC products are not suitable for everyone with asthma. This product should not be used without consulting a doctor. First, you need to get a diagnosis and have an appropriate treatment plan. If you've been diagnosed with asthma, ask your doctor about treatment options before taking any new medications. It is especially important not to stop taking your doctor's prescribed asthma medication on your own.
Without proper asthma treatment and control, you may experience wheezing, difficulty breathing and coughing. You are also at risk for life-threatening asthma attacks that require emergency medical care or hospitalization. For these reasons, you should not take any asthma medication on your own without first consulting your doctor.
Respiratory - Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit at Vinmec Times City International Hospital was established and expanded with the desire to provide professional services with high expertise for medical examination and treatment. respiratory, allergic and autoimmune diseases.
Unit brings together professors, doctors and specialists with more than 30 years of experience, well-trained young doctors in advanced countries who are always ready in the work of examining and taking care of people. sick. In addition, the Unit is equipped with the most modern equipment and machinery in Vietnam to support the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
In particular, for patients with bronchial asthma, patients are measured FeNO to support early diagnosis of asthma, especially in children. This is an effective monitoring tool for asthma management, treatment, and prognosis of acute asthma attacks (only address in the North). In addition, with the desire to work with you to control asthma, the Asthma Club is opened regularly to supplement knowledge, help patients exchange knowledge with leading experts in Vietnam and the world about asthma. asthma. Currently, the Unit has professional cooperation and scientific research with hospitals and universities in Australia, the United States and France.
Respiratory unit - Clinical immuno-allergy is currently becoming a reliable examination address for many customers because when coming to the clinic, the patient will be examined and thoroughly consulted by the doctor about the disease and treatment plan. Patients are also provided with comprehensive supplemental information about the disease.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: .fda.gov