ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic disorder of the airways characterized by variable airway obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation. No single histopathologic feature is pathognomonic but common findings include airway inflammatory cell infiltration with is eosinophils, lymphocytes, neutrophils, airway edema, small airways plugged with mucus, deposition of collagen under the basement membrane.

It is a common disease, affecting approximately 8-10% of the population. It is slightly more common in male children (younger than 14 years) and in female adults. There is a genetic predisposition to asthma (pulmonary disorder).

Asthma have symptoms of acute and chronic dyspnea, cough or wheezing and symptoms getting worst at night or in early morning.

Symptoms develops very fast after exposure to some allergens like dust mites that found on mattresses, pillows , cat dander, cockroaches and seasonal pollens.

Pathological Symptoms get reduced after reducing exposure to these allergens.

Most of the treatment in asthma are medication given by orally or inhaled. Inhalation therapy gives rapid onset action on pulmonary effects.

Nebulizer therapy given to those patient who do not use inhaler because of difficulties with understanding, coordination.

TREATMENT

Types of drug used for treatment of asthma as follows

1) CORTICOSTEROIDS

It is most potent and effective anti inflammatory drug of choice. it decrease both chronic and acute inflammation, result in reducing symptoms and improving lung function. Oral and parenteral corticosteroid are effective in prompt control of asthmatic exacerbations. Inhaled corticosteroids are also available as first line treatment for patients with persistent asthma.

2) ANTICHOLINERGICS

Anticholinergics drugs decreases mucus gland hyper secretion. Short acting muscarinic agents (SAMAs) and long acting muscarinic agents (LAMAs) are used as a anticholinergics.

3) BETA ADRENERGIC AGONISTS

These are divided into two like long acting beta agonists(LABAs) and short acting beta agonists(SABAs).

SABAs are most effective bronchodilators in exacerbation of asthma (like levalbuterol, bitolterol ,and terbutaline)

LABAs provides bronchodilation up to 12 hours in a single dose (like salmeterol and formoterol) .

4) LEUKOTRIENE MODIFIERS

Leukotriene modifiers such as Zileuton is a 5-lipooxygenase inhibitor that decreases leukotriene production. Montelukast and zafirlukast are cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists.

5) PHOSPHODIESTERASE INHIBITOR

Theophylline gives mild bronchodilation in asthmatic patients. It also has anti inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and it also enhances mucociliary clearance .

For Informational purpose only. Consult your Physician for advice.