Asthma is one of the most common diseases of children as well as adults, that affects the lungs. Asthma can cause chest tightness, breathlessness, wheezing and coughing in early morning or at night. Asthma attack is generally triggered by certain factors that affect the lungs- environmental, genetic, or occupational factors are linked to development of asthma. Asthma attack can be major or minor- it can also be life threatening in severe cases.
Click here for more information about asthma management in children- by expert pediatrician (Al Hilal Hospital, Bahrain).
For consultation regarding asthma or any other pulmonary issues, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine today and get an appointment with the best Internal Medicine doctor in Bahrain– for asthma in children, consult our expert Pediatrician. Our representatives are also available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches, for your convenience. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
Asthma Causes
Although the exact asthma causes are not known, there are certain triggers that spark asthma. The patient’s airways are inflamed (swollen) and sensitive, and they become cloggers with sticky mucous and narrow in response to these triggers.
The common triggers for asthma include:
- Infections like flu and cold
- Allergies- dust mites, pollen, feathers, or animal fur
- Pollution, fumes, or smoke
- Medicines- ibuprofen or aspirin (anti-inflammatory painkillers)
- Emotions, like laughter or stress
- Weather conditions- wind, heat, thunderstorms, humidity, cold air and changes in temperature
- Damp or mold
- Exercises
- Certain fragrances
The factors that can increase chances of having asthma include:
- Atopic (allergy) conditions, including food allergy, eczema, or hay fever
- Family history of atopic conditions or asthma
- Childhood exposure to tobacco smoke
- Smoking during pregnancy by mother
- Premature birth/ low birth weight
Asthma Symptoms
Asthma symptoms are generally different for different individuals- while some patients have frequent asthma attacks, other might have occasional symptoms, at certain times. Major asthma symptoms include
- Tightness or pain in chest
- Shortness of breath
- A common sign of asthma in children is wheezing while exhaling
- Trouble in sleeping because of coughing, shortness of breath or wheezing
- Wheezing or coughing attacks, usually worsened by respiratory viruses like flu or cold
If your child is having any of the above-mentioned symptoms, click here for more information about asthma management in children, by expert pediatrician (Al Hilal Hospital, Bahrain).
For early diagnosis and treatment, of asthma and other pulmonary diseases, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine – for asthma in children, consult our expert Pediatrician. Our representatives are also available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches.
How to Prevent Asthma
While there is no permanent cure for asthma, the following steps would guide you on ‘how to prevent asthma attack’:
- Identify your asthma triggers and take measures to avoid them.
- If you have allergies, stay away from allergens (things you are allergic to)
- Avoid smoking and smoke of all types (including fireworks, incense, and candles)
- Try to prevent cold and flu
- Make your home allergy proof
- Get all appropriate vaccinations
- Consider getting immunotherapy allergy shots
- Do not miss your asthma medication
- Follow the asthma action plan- even when you are not having asthma attacks
- Keep using home peak flow meter (that shows how well air is moving through lungs)
Asthma Treatments
Unfortunately, until now, there is no permanent cure for asthma. However, the following asthma treatments can assist in controlling symptoms, allowing patients to live a normal life:
- Inhalers- these are the most used form of treatment for asthma. Inhalers can be reliever inhalers (for use when symptoms occur), preventer inhalers (used every day, to reduce sensitivity or inflammation of airways) or combination inhalers (having qualities of both, providing prevention as well as healing).
- Medication- most used medicines include Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs), Theophylline, Steroid tablets
- Biologic Therapy Injections
- Bronchial Thermoplasty- surgical procedure to treat severe asthma
- Complementary therapies, including Chinese herbal medicine, breathing exercises, acupuncture, homeopathy, ionizers, chiropractic therapy, and dietary supplements. There is very little evidence regarding success of these therapies, however, they can be used in addition to the medicine, to get additional relieve from pain.
Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine
If you are at high risk of asthma, or having symptoms of asthma, consult an Internal Medicine Doctor at the earliest; and for asthma in children, consult an expert Pediatrician. At Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, we have highly qualified and experienced doctors, modern equipment, and state-of-the-art laboratories, to provide early detection and treatment options for asthma patients.
Contact Al Hilal Hospital, and get consultation with the best Internal Medicine Doctor/ Pediatrician in Bahrain for asthma and all other pulmonary diseases in children as well as adults. For your convenience, our representatives are also available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits, to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
