是乜嘢係哮喘？
Asthma is a very common health problem. It is a condition affecting the airways, which can involve inflammation, leading to swelling and excessive mucus production, and sometimes even sudden contraction.
Cause
- Category one is environmental factors, such as dust mites, pollutants, or cat and dog dander, which can also trigger asthma attacks.
- The second category is changes in weather, which is why we often see a higher incidence of asthma during the autumn and winter seasons.
- Flu infections can also trigger asthma flare-ups.
Asthma symptoms
A patient's asthma exacerbations can be divided into two parts:
First, many cases will have an early stage, which may start with mild flu-like symptoms, leading to allergic reactions in the trachea, causing coughing, a bit of a runny nose, phlegm, and a decrease in appetite. If the trachea suddenly narrows, it can lead to asthma, difficulty breathing, and even an inability to speak, with difficulties in swallowing.
Asthma treatment
If a child suddenly suffers an asthma attack, when they come to see a doctor, we will first deal with the immediate issues, such as difficulty breathing and the child's high fever. If it is mild to moderate asthma, we can provide oral bronchodilators or even a nebuliser for immediate treatment for the child.
Often, asthma requires two to three days to respond to medication and take effect. It's common to see asthma patients experience relapses and frequent recurrences, especially during weather changes, or due to environmental factors, excessive stress, or insufficient sleep. Therefore, we advise them to attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor and help them improve their condition.
In the long term, we also have preventative medications, oral preventative asthma medications, and inhaled steroid medications to improve tracheal hypersensitivity, hoping to help children achieve a complete cure within one to two years.
How does childhood asthma differ from adult asthma?
Adults can also suffer from asthma, and the causes and symptoms are similar to those in children. However, adults may have more factors to consider, especially since some adults smoke, drink alcohol, and experience workplace stress. These factors can lead to asthma that differs from childhood asthma. Generally, the follow-up and medical management methods are largely the same.
Will childhood asthma be cured?
With current medical technology and medication, most children's asthma can be cured. It is important to carefully monitor each child's condition, as individual responses to medication vary. We generally follow up for a period of time, regularly assessing the child's condition, medical history, and lifestyle habits. Of course, maintaining personal hygiene and following the doctor's instructions for managing the condition is ideal.
