Overview of Asthma
Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory condition characterized by reversible airflow obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness. This disease which can occur at any age, accounts for thousands of hospitalizations each year and requires long-term follow-up. Epidemiological and observational evidence had shown an increasing morbidity and mortality due to asthma despite the increased understanding of its pathogenesis, availability of effective anti-asthma medications and newer delivery devices.

The prevalence of asthma varies from region to region. Diagnosed asthma in adults is reported as 2.7–4.0% in most European countries, 7.1% in the USA and 12.0% in England.¹ In general, statistics reveal a relatively lower prevalence of asthma among adults in Asian countries such as China, Singapore, Malaysia and Bangladesh as compared to their Western counterparts.² The prevalence of asthma in India is somewhat similar to that seen in other Asian countries. 

Although chronic in nature and cannot be cured, asthma is a preventable condition and can be kept under control. Appropriate management can enable people to lead a good quality of life. Treatment approach aims to reduce the severity and frequency of the attacks and assist patients in controlling future exacerbations. The strategies include the use of relief medications such as beta (β₂) agonists and medications such as inhaled and oral corticosteroids to control the long-term effects of the airway inflammation. Recent evidence indicates that asthma self-management education is effective in improving outcomes of chronic asthma.³

Types, Causes and Triggers of Asthma

Types, causes and triggers of asthma

Previously the condition was divided into two defined types of asthma: extrinsic (allergic) and intrinsic (nonallergic) asthma. Now-a-days, the illness can be classified into a number of different types as  
      

Symptoms of Asthma

Symptoms of asthma

The symptoms of asthma vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. In between episodes, asthma patients may feel normal and have no difficulty in breathing. Some asthmatics may have chronic coughing and       

Diagnosis and Tests of Asthma

Diagnosis and test of asthma

The first step in providing optimal care to patients with asthma is accurate diagnosis of the condition. Clinical evaluation should include a precise description of the symptoms, as in many patients, particularly children,    

Management of Asthma

Management of asthma....

Guided self-management of asthma is a treatment strategy in whichpatients are taught to act appropriately when the first signsof asthma exacerbationsappear. Patient education can allow patients with asthma to begin 

Living with Asthma

The impact of asthma on an individual’s life can be controlled by adhering to proper asthma management plans. The following strategies can reduce inflammation, decrease the severity, frequency and duration of asthma attacks.