© 2012 Right Doctor

Asthma : The breathingdisorder

© 2012 Right Doctor

Do you have difficulty breathing?

Episodic (spontaneous attacks) shortness of breath, especially in the night and early morning that gets worse with exercise or activity

Wheezing (continuous whistling sound during breathing) Cough - may be productive with thick, sticky sputum Rapid pulse Bluish color of the lips and face, if you have prolonged episodes of

respiratory distress

You may be suffering from asthma, please read further to know more…

© 2012 Right Doctor

What is Asthma?Asthma is caused by inflammation in the airways that carry air into and out of your lungs

Inflammation narrows the airway causing less air to flow into the lungs

© 2012 Right Doctor

Some causes & triggers of Asthma

In sensitive people, asthma symptoms can be triggered by breathing in allergy-causing substances

© 2012 Right Doctor

Diagnosis for Asthma

In most patients asthma can be relieved in short time. However many patients need help frequently

With proper self management and medical treatment, most people with asthma can lead normal lives.

• Blood tests• Chest x-ray, Lung-function tests• Allergy testing may be helpful to

identify allergens in people with persistent asthma

Patient undergoing lung-function test

© 2012 Right Doctor

Treatment for Asthma• The goals of treatment are to control / widen the narrowed airways,

to reduce their internal swelling with the help of drugs• Stay away from substances that trigger symptoms

Continued…

© 2012 Right Doctor

Treatment for Asthma

• Drugs can help prevent symptoms in people with moderate to severe asthma

• Quick-relief (rescue) drugs, mostly in form of inhalers work fast to control asthma symptoms and should be at hand all the time

Inhaler

© 2012 Right Doctor

Who can treat asthma and where can this be treated ?Any physician , in particular chest physicians should be consulted.

Most often the patients can be treated at home. Those with prolonged episodes may need to be hospitalized.

Most often the patients can be treated at home. Those with prolonged episodes may need to be hospitalized.

Disclaimer : The intent of the information provided by Right Doctor is to increase public awareness and should not be treated as a medical advice. A physician should be consulted for a proper medical guidance.