ASTHMA

Asthma (from the Greek , sthma, "panting") is a common chronic inflammatory disease of
the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow
obstruction and bronchospasm.
[2]
Common symptoms include wheezing,coughing, chest tightness,
and shortness of breath.
[3]

Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental
factors.
[4]
Its diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over time
and spirometry.
[5]
It is clinically classified according to the frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory
volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate.
[6]
Asthma may also be classified
as atopic(extrinsic) or non-atopic (intrinsic)
[7]
where atopy refers to a predisposition toward
developing type 1 hypersensitivity reactions.
[8]

Treatment of acute symptoms is usually with an inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist (such
as salbutamol) and oral corticosteroids.
[9]
In very severe cases, intravenous
corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate, and hospitalization may be required.
[10]
Symptoms can be
prevented by avoiding triggers, such as allergens
[11]
and irritants, and by the use of inhaled
corticosteroids.
[12]
Long-acting beta agonists (LABA) or leukotriene antagonists may be used in
addition to inhaled corticosteroids if asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled.
[13]
The occurrence of
asthma has increased significantly since the 1970s. In 2011, 235300 million people globally have
been diagnosed with asthma,
[14][15]
and it caused 250,000 deaths.

CAUSES
The exact cause of asthma isn't known. Researchers think some genetic and environmental factors
interact to cause asthma, most often early in life. These factors include:
An inherited tendency to develop allergies, called atopy (AT-o-pe)
Parents who have asthma
Certain respiratory infections during childhood
Contact with some airborne allergens or exposure to some viral infections in infancy or in early
childhood when the immune system is developing
If asthma or atopy runs in your family, exposure to irritants (for example, tobacco smoke) might
make your airways more reactive to substances in the air.
Some factors might be more likely to cause asthma in certain people than in others. Researchers
continue to explore what causes asthma.

TREATMENT
Asthma is a long-term disease that has no cure. The goal of asthma treatment is to control the
disease. Good asthma control will:
Prevent chronic and troublesome symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath
Reduce your need for quick-relief medicines (see below)
Help you maintain good lung function
Let you maintain your normal activity level and sleep through the night
Prevent asthma attacks that could result in an emergency room visit or hospital stay
To control asthma, partner with your doctor to manage your asthma or your child's asthma. Children
aged 10 or olderand younger children who are ableshould take an active role in their asthma care.
Taking an active role to control your asthma involves:
Working with your doctor to treat other conditions that can interfere with asthma
management.
Avoiding things that worsen your asthma (asthma triggers). However, one trigger you should
not avoid is physical activity. Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Talk
with your doctor about medicines that can help you stay active.
Working with your doctor and other health care providers to create and follow an asthma
action plan.