Bronchial asthma

Definition:
Chronical inflammation of the airway with hypersensitivity of the bronchi and airway constriction.

Causes/trigger:
Possibly triggered by allergens (e.g. pollen, dust, animal hair, moulds, certain foods), physical exertion and other stimuli (e.g. tobacco smoke, cold/dry air, dust) as well as inflammation of the airway caused by viruses or bacteria.

Symptoms/signs/effects:

• Attacks of respiratory distress and breathlessness
• Whistling, hissing sound when breathing out (wheezing)
• Attacks of coughing, especially at night, producing a viscous glassy mucus

Diagnosis:

• Pulmonary function test
• Provocation test
• Immunological diagnosis
• Skin prick test

Treatment:
Use of bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory drugs as well as anti-allergic agents with allergic asthma and where appropriate, medication to control mucus (mucolytics).