Allergic Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways, causing a narrowing which leads to difficulty when breathing. The narrowed bronchial tubes usually become sensitive to certain allergens or irritants leading to sensitivity known as bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR). The specific effects will vary from person to person, as will the triggers. The effects can be at least partially reversed with treatment.
Triggers That Can Cause An Asthma Attack
Whilst triggers differ according to each individual, there are some common triggers including:
- Pollen,
- Additives,
- Certain foods (fish, peanuts, cow’s milk, soy),
- Dust mites,
- Mold,
- Insect Parts.
Asthma attacks can also be brought on by irritants including:
- Certain drugs (including beta blockers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),
- Respiratory infections (including colds and bronchitis),
- Smoke from tobacco,
- Outdoor factors such as smog,
- Indoor factors such as deodorants, paint and perfumes,
- Exercise,
- Emotional factors including laughing and crying,
- And hormones such as premenstrual syndrome.
The severity of an asthma attack will depend on how many triggers are present as well as the individual reaction. Not all asthmatics will react to all of the listed triggers, and there may also be other triggers that have not been listed.
Medications Used to Treat Asthma
Medication can greatly reduce the effects of the above triggers by relaxing the bronchial tubes or by reducing any inflammation. Medications are usually inhaled but tablets and liquid treatments do exist. The inhaled treatments act directly on the surface of the airways, and there are usually much fewer side effects that with other types of medication.
Adrenaline has always been used for the treatment of asthma since it leads to a rapid action to open the airwaves. This means that it is suitable for emergencies, but it is generally not used due to the fact that side effects include a raise in heart rate, nausea, vomiting, headaches, restlessness as well as feelings of panic.