Different types of Asthma - Essay Example

Different types of Asthma Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways into the lungs. It causes the patients to have episodes of a bronchospasm, inflames airways, and causes hyperinflation of the alveoli. The most recent data for the Centers of Disease and Prevention states that in 2010 there were 18.7 million adults and 7 million children suffer with asthma in the United States. Out of these people 46.9 percent have had at least one or more asthma attacks in their lifetime. There are many different causes that trigger asthma attacks. In my essay, I will be discussing some of the different types of asthma conditions, such as allergic asthma, occupational asthma, and childhood asthma, their symptoms and what types of medications are used to treat these types of conditions. “In childhood asthma, the lungs and airways become easily inflamed when exposed to certain triggers, such as inhaling airborne pollen or catching a cold or another respiratory infection.” (Mayo Clinic) Childhood asthma cannot be cured; however, it can be managed with the right treatments and medication. Some signs and symptoms include, coughing, a whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling, shortness of breath, chest congestion or tightness in chest. Some risk factors that are associated with childhood asthma is exposure to tobacco smoke, previous allergic reactions, a family history of asthma, living in an area with extreme air pollution, and respiratory conditions, such as a chronic runny or stuffy nose, inflamed sinuses, or pneumonia. Asthma in children can be hard to diagnose. There are other conditions that can have similar symptoms and sometimes these conditions can be combined with asthma. Some common conditions with the same symptoms are rhinitis, sinusitis, acid reflux, vocal cord dysfunction, and respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis and RSV. Doctors use the same tests to diagnose asthma in children ages 5 and up as they do with adults. The test is called a spirometry, it measures how quickly and how much air your child can exhale. The doctor will also try to find out if the asthma is caused by the child’s allergies. An allergy skin test will be given to check for allergy-causing substances, such as animal dander, mold or dust mites, and observed for signs of an allergic reaction. The doctor will make an asthma action plan and depending on the type and severity of the asthma in the child the doctor might prescribe a medication. The purpose of treating asthma is to prevent symptoms and to treat an asthma attack that is in progress. The goal after treatment is that the child will have little to no symptoms, fewer flare-ups, no limitations on daily activities, and few side effects from the medications. Long term medications will be used to treat the inflammation that causes the symptoms of asthma. The doctor would prescribe an inhaled corticosteroid, such as Qvar. Leukotriene modifiers (oral medication) such a Singulair will help to prevent the asthma symptoms for up to 24 hours. Sometimes a medication will be needed that is combined inhaler. It would be combination of a corticosteroid plus a long-acting beta agonist. An example of this would be Symbicort. Another type of asthma is called Allergic Asthma. Allergic asthma is caused by allergies. It is the most common type of asthma. Web Md describes allergic asthma as, “Your airways are extra sensitive to certain allergens. Once they get into your body, your immune system overreacts. The muscles around your airways tighten. The airways become inflamed and over time are flooded with thick mucus.” The symptoms you would experience are coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness of chest, runny nose and itchy eyes. Some causes of the asthma would be pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, mold and animal dander. Also, some allergens that can trigger an asthma attack would be smoke from tobacco, air pollution and perfumes or other scented products. Your doctor can perform an allergy skin test to try to figure out what is causing the allergic reaction. Medication may be given depending on the severity and the cause. Some medications would include a Leukotriene modifier such as Singulair or an allergy shot may be given to help your immune system build up a tolerance. “Occupational asthma is asthma that's caused or worsened by breathing in chemical fumes, gases, dust or other substances on the job.” (Web MD) It can cause the same symptoms of regular asthma such as chest tightening, wheezing, and breathlessness. Symptoms depend on the substance that the individual has encountered, how long they were exposed and how often. The symptoms may get worse as the week goes on and go away when you’re no longer around the substance. You may have an asthma attack as soon you’re exposed to the substance and it may continue after your away from the substance due to how long you were exposed. Your doctor will order many tests including lung function tests and an allergy skin prick test, blood tests, and X-rays to try to figure out the cause. Once the doctor has figured out the underlining cause it can be treated. Usually staying away from the substance can help, although if the individual has boom sensitive to the substance even the smallest amount can cause a flare- up. The doctor will order an inhaled corticosteroid or an oral one. With the proper treatment plan you this type of asthma may be reversible. In conclusion asthma can affect anyone and any stage of their life. It does not discriminate by age or race. Some individual’s conditions might be more severe than others and may have to be hospitalized at some point in their life. Most asthma conditions have the same symptoms, so its up to the doctor to decide and figure out the action plan to make the condition better or less severe. If you feel you may have asthma or have been subjected to irritants that can cause you to have an asthma attack talk with your doctor. References Blhad MD, William.. (2017, Jan. 14 ). In Allergic Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/allergic-asthma#3-6 Center for Disease Control.. (2017, Feb. Day ). In Asthma. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/most_recent_data.htm Jardins, T. D. (2017).Cardiopulmonary anatomy Clifton Park, NY, Cengage Learning Delmar. Mayo Clinic Staff.. (2014, Jun. 12 ). In Occupational Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/occupational-asthma/basics/definition/CON-20032379 Mayo Clinic Staff.. (2016, Feb. 13 ). In Allergic Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/allergies-and-asthma/ART-20047458?pg=2 Mayo Clinic Staff.. (2016, Mar. 4 ). In Childhood Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-asthma/home/ovc-20193095 Read More