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Everyone knows that
asthma is a complicated disease and that its severity can vary from an occasional, mild,
self-limiting attack to one that is debilitating and even life threatening. Few know
that in most patients asthma can be treated so well that one can lead a near normal life.
School children should be able to participate in all activities and attend school
without losing any days. Adults should be able to hold any job and lead a full and
active life. In general, a comprehensive management of asthma could mean freedom
from emergency room visits, visits to the doctor or even taking multiple medicines.
A comprehensive allergy evaluation may identify avoidable allergens in the
environment or diet. If aeroallergens are identified, allergy immunotherapy may be
the appropriate course of action. Another major component of asthma management is
the use of preventive medications that control the inflammation in the airway
membranes. Inhaled steroids, cromolyn and nedocromil are extremely useful for such
prevention. Also, there are newer medication which block the effects of chemicals
such as slow reacting substances. Accolate, and Singulair are two promising drugs in
this group.
When such treatment is done properly, even "severe"
asthma may be tamed and controlled completely. Then, you may not need the
bronchodilator rescue inhaler but once in a while. |
Update