Asthma

Anatomy

The respiratory system consists of two main parts: the respiratory tract and lungs. The respiratory tract circulates the air inhaled and exhaled from the lungs. In the lungs, oxygen is absorbed into the blood and carbon dioxide is removed. The respiratory tract consists of: the nose, throat, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. Gas exchange does not occur in the respiratory tract. The air in the respiratory tract is warmed and cleaned of dust and microorganisms.

Description of the Disease

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory tract disease. During asthma, the bronchial tubes narrow, the mucous membrane swells, and more secretions are produced. All of this results in varying degrees of obstruction of the airways.

In Lithuania, 5% of adults and 10% of children suffer from asthma.

Cause of the Disease

The cause of asthma is unknown, but an increase in its prevalence has been observed. It is believed that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of the disease. Interaction with various substances that cause allergies or irritate the skin, respiratory tract can trigger the onset of asthma.

Risk Factors

The following risk factors for asthma are identified: low birth weight, a family member with asthma, smoking, overweight or obesity, polluted air with chemical substances, or simply being in warm, humid, poorly ventilated rooms.

Symptoms

Asthma is characterized by episodic progression of the disease. Depending on the severity of the disease, attacks can recur from several times a month to several times a day.

At the onset of an attack, there is sudden onset of a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. After taking medication, the attack may subside. If it cannot be relieved, shortness of breath occurs. It becomes very difficult for the person to exhale. Breathing quickens, and the chest rises and falls actively during breathing. Such episodes of breathlessness usually occur at night or in the early morning. Between attacks, the person feels well.

Diagnosis

Asthma is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and physical examination. One of the most important tests for diagnosing this disease and monitoring treatment results is spirometry (lung function test). During this test, asthma is also distinguished from other diseases (by performing a bronchodilator test). Chest X-rays and blood tests usually do not show any changes.

Treatment

Prior to treatment, the severity of the disease is assessed based on the presence of symptoms during the day, at night, and lung function testing. Treatment is stepwise, meaning that as the disease worsens, more and different groups of medications are prescribed. Asthma treatment may include short-acting and long-acting β₂ agonists, inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists. Their effects: dilate the airways and reduce mucosal inflammation and reactivity (decrease mucus production). The effectiveness of asthma treatment should be regularly evaluated by performing spirometry. If the condition worsens, the treatment should be adjusted.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology