Also known as bronchial asthma, it is a common and frequent disease, and the main symptoms are episodic wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough.
Why is spring the peak time for asthma?
In spring, there is a large temperature difference between day and night, which is prone to respiratory diseases. For people with asthma, once they catch a cold, it can trigger asthma. In addition, the dry and windy weather in spring also increases the risk of respiratory irritation.
There are a large number of allergens in spring. All kinds of flowers are in full bloom, and the environment is full of various pollen, dust, and other substances. Once these substances enter the patient's respiratory system, they can irritate the airways and induce asthma.
How to treat asthma with medication?
Anti-inflammatory medications
Corticosteroids (budesonide, methylprednisolone, etc.) are commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs that are effective in reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract.
For patients with mild asthma, inhaled corticosteroids may be an option;
For moderate to severe disease, oral or injectable corticosteroids may be required.
Bronchodilators
These drugs relax bronchial smooth muscles and reduce bronchospasm, which can relieve asthma symptoms.
Commonly used bronchodilators include beta-2 agonists (albuterol, salmeterol, etc.) and anticholinergic drugs (ipratropium, tiotropium, etc.).
Allergy control medications
For asthma caused by allergies, allergy medications such as antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine, others) and leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast, zafirlukast, others) can help control symptoms.
My asthma has been asymptomatic recently, do I need to continue treatment?
For people with asthma,. Medications used to treat asthma can help control airway inflammation and reduce airway hyperresponsiveness and spasticity. With standardized treatment, most patients have controlled asthma symptoms, with fewer or no attacks.
There is currently no cure for asthma, and inflammation in the respiratory tract may persist even if there are no obvious symptoms.
How can I avoid an asthma exacerbation?
1. Regular medication
Asthma patients should follow their doctor's advice to use it on time and in the right amount.
For acute attacks, you should carry rescue medication, such as albuterol aerosol, with you to provide quick relief if needed.
2. Identify and avoid triggers
For known allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, etc., exposure should be avoided as much as possible.
In situations of high air pollution or extreme weather, try to go out as much as possible, or take appropriate protective measures, such as wearing a mask.
3. Exercise in moderation
Proper exercise helps to strengthen the physique and improve immunity.
Asthma patients should choose an exercise method that suits them when exercising, or exercise in a cold environment for a long time to avoid triggering asthma.
Reviewer: Xia Fei, Deputy Chief Pharmacist, Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province
Author: Wang Ying, Department of Pharmacy, Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province