Bronchial asthma
About Bronchial asthma
An inflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by reversible airway obstruction. The tubes that carry air in the lungs are called bronchi and bronchioles. In asthma these tubes become narrowed because of abnormal muscular contraction of the tubes and from inflammation. The mucous lining of these tubes become irritated and secretes mucous and white blood cells into the airways, making the narrowing worse. In some patients this narrowing occurs in response to an irritant such as cold air, dust, pollen, exercise, or tobacco smoke. An upper respiratory viral infection (`cold` or URI) can also cause an asthma attack. The severity of symptoms varies greatly among patients, ranging from a mild irritant to life threatening collapse.Symptoms
Cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, blue discoloration of skin (cyanosis), chest pain, respiratory collapse.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. A chest X-ray may be done to rule out infection, or lung collapse (pneumothorax). Pulmonary function testing is sometimes performed to measure the lung functioning.Common tests: X-ray.
Prescription medications
- Montelukast
- Aminophylline
- Cromolyn Sodium Oral Inhalation
- Fluticasone Oral Inhalation
- Pirbuterol Acetate Oral Inhalation
- Prednisone
- Triamcinolone Oral
- Desloratadine
- Formoterol Oral Inhalation
- Levalbuterol Oral Inhalation
- Omalizumab Injection
- Albuterol
- Mometasone Oral Inhalation
- Ciclesonide Oral Inhalation
- Theophylline
- Metaproterenol
- Terbutaline
- Albuterol Inhalation
- Hydrocortisone Oral
- Benzonatate
- Papaverine
- Dexamethasone Oral
- Methylprednisolone Oral
- Isoetharine Oral Inhalation
- Nedocromil Oral Inhalation
- Salmeterol Oral Inhalation
- Zafirlukast
- Zileuton
- Budesonide Oral Inhalation
- Fluticasone and Salmeterol Oral Inhalation
Conventional treatment summary
Rescue therapy for acute symptoms: most often a short-acting beta-agonists bronchodilator, such as an albuterol meter dose inhaler. Control therapy to reduce inflammation and keep bronchi open: inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta agonist bronchodilators, oral leukotriene antagonists, and/or inhaled cromolyn are used most frequently. For severe asthma flares, oral or intravenous corticosteroids and frequent inhaled bronchodilators with a combination of albuterol and ipratropium (DuoNeb). For additional information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov or call (301)592-8573 Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: (800) 727-8562 American Lung Association: (800)586-4872 National Jewish Medical and Research Center: (800)222-5864Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Pulmonology · Family Practice · Pediatric Pulmonology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Bronchial asthma.