Chronic Bronchial Asthma

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Asthma is a condition in which an environmental trigger causes the inflammation of respiratory tract leading to a variety of symptoms. When it is accompanied with persistent coughing, wheezing, it is called as bronchial asthma. This is a serious condition in which the inflammation to the respiratory tract constricts the bronchioles, thereby leading to troubled breathing. This condition can be either chronic, with prolonged and persistent symptoms or acute with only a bout of asthma symptoms. In this article, we will study chronic bronchial asthma causes, symptoms and treatment.

Chronic Bronchial Asthma: Causes

Mast cells, eosinophils and T-lymphocytes are the three types of cells which are closely associated with bronchial asthma or chronic bronchitis. Mast cells are responsible for causing the allergic response when the body comes in contact with the trigger or allergen. They produce histamine in response to the allergen. Histamine is mainly responsible for the inflammation and stuffiness. T-lymphocytes and eosinophils also contribute to inflammation of bronchioles. There are various environmental triggers which invoke the allergic response in the body. Common infections also imitate the effect of allergens in the body. Given below is a list of chronic bronchial asthma causes.

* Infections such as common flu, cold and pneumonia
* Sneezing, laughing, coughing, crying can aggravate asthma symptoms
* Cigarette smoke
* Exercising
* Air pollution
* Air toxins
* Smoke
* Acid reflux
* Certain drugs like NSAID and aspirin
* Fluctuations in weather between two extremed
* Emotional stress and anxiety
* Allergens such as mold, dust mites, pet dander, food and pollen
* Certain food additives
* Perfumes/Incense stick smell
* Certain air borne bacteria

Chronic Bronchial Asthma: Symptoms

Chronic bronchial asthma produces the classic symptoms of asthma such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in chest, etc. Besides, you may also experience certain severe symptoms which demand immediate medical intervention which include:

* Breathing in lapses
* Lips turning blue or pale
* Sweating
* Rapid pulse
* Anxiety attack originating from troubled breathing
* Chest pain
* Nasal flaring
* Decreased levels of alertness
* Drowsiness and confusion

Chronic Bronchial Asthma: Treatment

Since, the above symptoms may also point to some other respiratory disorder, it is important to make a proper diagnosis. A diagnosis is made by studying chronic bronchial asthma symptoms and treatment is suggested accordingly. Several diagnostic tools are used to confirm the possibility of chronic bronchial asthma. A spirometry is a test that detects the lung function by measuring the breathing capacity. Peak flow meter is another device which measure the force by which you expel the air out of your lungs. A chest X-ray can be taken to rule out the possibilities of other diseases. Since, asthma is an allergic response to the allergens, the only way to treat this disease is by preventing it. Avoid getting exposed to known allergens and environmental triggers. Certain medications can help manage the symptoms of this disease. Pills and inhalers can be used when the person is having a bout of asthma. Bronchodilators are given through the inhaler or can also be taken orally. Oral or inhaled corticosteroids are also effective asthma treatments in keeping the symptoms in check. They are also effective for long term use. If the person suffers from breathing difficulty for a longer time, he may have to be given oxygen supply. A nebuliser can be used to provide oxygen artificially.

Chronic bronchial asthma may lead to complications such as pneumonia, especially in older people. Hence, it is important to get a routine lung and respiratory function examinations done. Person suffering from this disorder must always be equipped with appropriate medications and inhaler to combat any bout of asthma.