Breathe Easy: Empowering Lives Through Asthma Awareness

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Its pathophysiology involves inflammation and constriction of the airways in response to triggers such as allergens, pollutants, or exercise. This leads to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness.

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Common signs and symptoms of asthma include recurring episodes of breathlessness, coughing - particularly at night or early in the morning, wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing), and chest tightness. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact a person's quality of life.?

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Diagnosing asthma often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and lung function tests. Spirometry is a common test used to measure how much air a person can exhale and how quickly they can do it.? FENO testing looks at inflammation in the airway, and can help predict risk of having asthma exacerbations in the future.? It can also guide the type on treatment you need, and help decide if it can be decreased.? Other tests, such as peak flow monitoring and allergy testing, may also be performed to help identify triggers and assess the severity of the condition. Treatment for asthma aims to control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and improve lung function. Unfortunately people still die on a daily basic from uncontrolled asthma throughout the world.? Commonly used medications include inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and leukotriene modifiers. In severe cases biologic therapies may be prescribed to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.

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Asthma can be classified into different types based on various factors, such as triggers, symptoms, and age of onset. Here are some common types of asthma:

?1. Allergic asthma: Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold.

2. Non-allergic asthma: Triggers may include irritants like smoke, pollution, strong odors, or cold air. ?3. Exercise-induced asthma: Symptoms are triggered or worsened by physical activity.

4. Occupational asthma: Caused by exposure to workplace irritants like chemicals, fumes, or dust. 5. Childhood asthma: Onset in childhood, often associated with allergies and family history.

?6. Adult-onset asthma: Develops in adulthood and can be triggered by various factors.

7. Severe asthma: Requires high doses of medication to control symptoms and may be difficult to manage.

In Dubai, individuals with severe asthma have access to a range of treatment options, including advanced medications and interventions. Hospitals and clinics in the city offer specialized asthma clinics staffed with asthma specialists who have expertise in managing complex cases. Here at Saudi German I run a severe and difficult to treat asthma service, with many patients now in remission and fully controlled symptoms. Asthma specialists can provide personalized treatment plans, monitor disease progression, and adjust medications as needed.

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If you have severe asthma that is not well-controlled with standard medications, talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of biologic treatments and whether they may be suitable for your specific condition. Remember, personalized treatment plans and regular monitoring are key to effectively managing severe asthma. Omalizumab (Xolair): Targets immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to reduce allergic reactions in allergic asthma.

Mepolizumab (Nucala) and? Benralizumab (Fasenra): Target interleukin-5 (IL-5) to reduce eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in allergic asthma.

Dupilumab (Dupixent): Targets interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 to reduce inflammation in severe asthma with Type 2 inflammation.

Tezepelumab is a monoclonal antibody treatment used for severe asthma. It works by targeting and blocking a protein called thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), which plays a key role in initiating inflammation in the airways. Having an asthma specialist oversee care is crucial for individuals with difficult-to-treat asthma. These specialists have in-depth knowledge of the latest treatment options and can tailor therapy to each patient's needs. They can also help identify and address any comorbid conditions that may be exacerbating asthma symptoms, such as allergies or sinusitis.

They can also treat other problems that commonly occur with asthma including, vocal cord dysfunction, intermittent laryngeal obstruction, obstructive sleep apnea. In conclusion, asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition with a complex pathophysiology. Recognizing common signs and symptoms, undergoing appropriate diagnostic tests, and seeking treatment from a qualified asthma specialist are essential steps in managing the condition effectively. By working closely with healthcare providers and following a personalized treatment plan, individuals with asthma can lead healthy, completely normal and active lives despite their condition.

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To know more information or schedule an appointment visit https://saudigerman.com/doctors/dr-rachel-kaminski/ or call 8002211.