- Asthma is a chronic disease that has no cure but can be controlled.
- In 2019 alone, it caused 262 million cases and 461 thousand deaths worldwide.
- The Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) are the documents that contain the indications for the correct treatment of patients.
The variety of problems that a patient can develop is almost infinite. They are too many although some are more frequent than others. Among those with a high incidence is the asthma and that is why it is necessary to know basic aspects such as its symptoms and treatment for adequate control. The primary goal should always be to prevent a drop in quality of life.
To begin with, its basic definition states that it is a chronic disease that causes the airways in the lung to become inflamed. When that happens there are difficulties in breathing. Although it can occur at any age, 30 percent of all cases occur in children ages 5 to 14.
Current impact of asthma in the world
It is by no means a minor problem because its inattention can lead to serious consequences. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO), In 2019 alone, it affected 262 million people and caused 461 thousand deaths.
Therefore, the first Tuesday in May commemorates the World Asthma Day. According to the Ministry of Health (SSa), it affects between five and 15 percent of the population. With this in mind, it is considered one of the most common problems.
However, the biggest drawback of asthma is that it has no cure, that is why its symptoms must be accurately identified in order to start treatment immediately. While the follow-up must be strict and for life to avoid complications.
main symptoms
In this regard, Dr. John Costello, a pulmonologist at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, points out that symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing when exhaling. Also trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, and coughing or wheezing attacks in the presence of a respiratory virus.
“Asthma has a large genetic component, just like allergies, but a clear definition of the genes involved is still being investigated and it is a much-discussed topic. Therefore, it is very difficult to prevent asthma as a condition, but the frequency and severity of attacks can be prevented with regular treatment.”
Asthma is often a condition that comes and goes, but is made worse by a respiratory virus, allergy, or other trigger. It is not known why some people get asthma and others do not. For some, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations, such as exercise. Cold weather and even lightning storms can also trigger asthma.
Children with asthma may not be able to express their symptoms verbally, but parents often notice that the child has more frequent chest infections than other siblings. In addition, there may be a family history of cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma, or allergies, all factors that lead to a diagnosis of asthma.
“Asthma usually improves in the early teen years. However, it is not known why it improves or if it is due to hormonal or other changes. However, once asthma is diagnosed, there is always a tendency that under the right circumstances, it will recur later in life.”
People with asthma and their healthcare providers can refer to local and international treatment guidelines to develop a step-by-step plan for living with the condition, avoiding asthma attacks, and recognizing when asthma is out of control. Inhalation therapy is the treatment of choice, although patients with severe asthma may require corticosteroids, either orally or intravenously.
Are there treatments for asthma?
They do exist and their objective is to alleviate the intensity of the symptoms and reduce repetitive exacerbations. So that people who suffer from this disease can lead a normal life. There are various medications such as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids, among others, that are used to control this condition.
In that sense, the Clinical Practice Guidelines contain guidelines and instructions for caring for patients with asthma. Therefore, they are documents that you must consult constantly to act in accordance with current regulations.