Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system. Most asthma attacks are preventable. The best way to prevent an asthmatic crisis is to make the stipulated control visits, to be free to have quick access to the Pneumology specialist, to be disciplined in the treatment and to avoid the triggers. Triggers are not always known or, in many cases, the trigger is a viral process, which means it is less preventable.
Treatment of asthma
A mistake by the specialist may be to underestimate the severity of the case. On the other hand, mistakes that the patient may make are: not complying with the treatment, unfounded fear of inhaled corticosteroids, switching to homeopathy and continuing to smoke.
There are patients known as very labile (variable), i.e., they are patients who perceive few symptoms. Their control can be improved with the use of a simple device, the Peak-Flow-Meter or flow meters, which is the equivalent of glycemia controls for diabetics.
Patient education is fundamental in the treatment of asthma. They must know how to correctly apply the inhalers. It is necessary to provide them with a written plan for worsening situations. In addition, they should be familiar with the drugs and their advantages and side effects.
In general, asthma is a very controllable disease, compatible with an absolutely normal life. Only a small percentage, about 5% of cases, are difficult to manage. This is known as difficult to manage asthma.
How to act in the event of an asthmatic crisis
In cases of acute crisis, if the patient has a flow meter, he/she should know that 200 is a dangerous figure (depending on sex, size, age and others).
Having to abuse inhalers, for example more than eight inhalations of a bronchodilator accumulated in a short time, forces to go to an Emergency Department.
If there are doubts about the level of severity of the crisis and if it is expected to take more than 60 minutes to reach the Emergency Department, it is a prudent measure to take two 30 mg tablets of a synthetic corticosteroid drug. It is not harmful and the hospital will provide higher doses.
In relation to the patient’s relatives and companions, they can help by bringing serenity, calling a cab or ambulance, helping in the administration of the drugs (always following the written instructions) and, above all, in not hesitating to go to the nearest medical center.