Asthma

The lungs' airways are affected by the chronic inflammatory condition known as asthma. Variable and recurrent symptoms, reversible airflow blockage, and readily caused bronchospasms are its distinguishing features. Episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath are among the symptoms. These might happen several times per day or several times per week. Depending on the individual, asthma symptoms may get worse at night or after physical activity. It is believed that a mix of hereditary and environmental factors contribute to asthma. Exposure to allergies and air pollution are environmental variables. Beta blockers and aspirin are two more probable causes. The pattern of symptoms, treatment response over time, and spirometry lung function testing are often used to make a diagnosis. The frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate are used to categorise asthma. It can also be categorised as atopic or non-atopic, where atopy denotes a propensity for a type 1 hypersensitive reaction to occur. Although asthma cannot be cured, it may be managed. By avoiding triggers like allergens and respiratory irritants, symptoms can be avoided, and they can be reduced with the use of inhaled corticosteroids. If asthma symptoms are still not under control, long-acting beta agonists (LABA) or antileukotriene medications may be administered in addition to inhaled corticosteroids. An oral corticosteroid plus an inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist, such as salbutamol, are typically used to treat symptoms that are rapidly getting worse. When the situation is really bad, intravenous corticosteroids, magnesium sulphate, and hospitalization may be required.