What kind of illness is asthma (bronchial asthma)?
Asthma (bronchial asthma) is a disease in which the airways become narrowed due to chronic inflammation of the bronchi, which are the airways.
Inflamed airways become hypersensitive, leading to sudden narrowing of the airways triggered by irritants such as dust, pollen, colds, exercise, or changes in temperature. This causes wheezing (a whistling or rattling sound during breathing) and shortness of breath, which is called an asthma attack.
In addition to constitutional factors, inflammation is often involved with allergies to dust mites, house dust, mold, and pets, but sometimes the cause is unclear.
Asthma is sometimes thought of as a childhood illness, but it's not uncommon for it to develop in adulthood. Also, symptoms that have once subsided may worsen again.
While many people can control their symptoms by continuing appropriate treatment, it is important to note that if treatment remains insufficient, changes in the airways can become permanent, making it difficult to improve symptoms.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Asthma is characterized by episodic wheezing during attacks. This is a symptom where a whistling or rasping sound is heard while breathing.
Asthma symptoms aren't only wheezing; coughing can also be a primary symptom. If you have a persistent cough, especially at night or in the early morning, or if a cough lingers after a cold, you may have asthma or cough-variant asthma.
Although there may be few symptoms when there is no seizure, in severe cases, coughing and shortness of breath may persist daily.
Additionally, many people also have complications with allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, hay fever, and atopic dermatitis.
When asthma is suspected, what kind of tests are performed?
For asthma diagnosis, we will closely examine the course of symptoms, the presence of attacks, and the presence of allergies.
While lung function tests (spirometry) are often performed for asthma to check if the airways are narrowed, results can be normal during periods without an attack.
At our hospital, we carefully inquire about your symptoms and their progression, and perform the following tests as needed.
- blood test
- Sputum test
- Chest X-ray
Blood tests are used to check for allergies and the extent of inflammation. If necessary, tests may be conducted to identify the substances (allergens) that cause allergies.
Additionally, an X-ray examination is performed to check for any underlying respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia.
Asthma treatment.
Asthma treatment can be broadly divided into two categories:
- Preventive treatment for seizures
- Seizure treatment
There are two.
Preventive treatment for seizures
Inhaled corticosteroids are the cornerstone of asthma treatment.
Inhaled corticosteroids are medications that reduce airway inflammation and are the cornerstone of asthma treatment. The appropriate inhaled medication is selected based on the severity of symptoms and lifestyle.
If inhaled steroids alone are not sufficiently effective,
- Bronchodilator
- Anti-allergic drugs such as leukotriene receptor antagonists
We combine therapies for treatment.
Since airway inflammation often continues even when there are no symptoms of asthma, it is important to continue treatment without stopping it on your own judgment.
Seizure treatment
In case of a seizure, use a fast-acting bronchodilator.
In cases of severe symptoms, steroid treatment with oral medication or IV infusion may be necessary.
If your breathing is poor or a severe attack is suspected, we will quickly refer you to a specialist medical facility for treatment.
Things to be careful of in daily life
In addition to drug therapy, it is also important to avoid triggers for asthma attacks for asthma control.
- Preventing mites and house dust
- Keep the inside clean
- Quit smoking (also avoid passive smoking)
- Prevent colds and infections
- To appropriately treat allergic diseases such as hay fever
These measures can lead to symptom stabilization.
What are the asthma tests and treatments available at Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic?
This clinic specializes in orthopedics, internal medicine, and sports medicine. We also offer consultations for respiratory and allergy symptoms.
The asthma tests and treatments available at our clinic are as follows.
Examination: blood test, sputum examination, X-ray examination
Treatment: Prescription of inhalants and oral medications
At our clinic, we aim to ease your concerns and support your health
through attentive medical care in a calm and welcoming environment.
Please feel free to stop by and consult us, even during a casual walk around the neighborhood.