What's bronchial asthma?

Bronchial asthma is a disease caused by increased responsiveness of the tracheobronchial tree

to various stimuli. The result is paroxysmal constriction of the bronchial airways. Bronchial
asthma is the more correct name for the common form of asthma. The term 'bronchial' is used to
differentiate it from 'cardiac' asthma, which is a separate condition that is caused
by heart failure. Although the two types of asthma have similar symptoms, including
wheezing (a whistling sound in the chest) and shortness of breath, they have quite
different causes.

Bronchial asthma is a disease of the lungs in which an obstructive ventilation disturbance of the
respiratory passages evokes a feeling of shortness of breath. The cause is a sharply elevated
resistance to airflow in the airways. Despite its most strenuous efforts, the respiratory
musculature is unable to provide sufficient gas exchange. The result is a characteristic asthma
attack, with spasms of the bronchial musculature, edematous swelling of the bronchial wall and
increased mucus secretion. In the initial stage, the patient can be totally symptom-free for long
periods of time in the intervals between the attacks. As the disease progresses, increased mucus
is secreted between attacks as well, which in part builds up in the airways and can then lead to
secondary bacterial infections. Bronchial asthma is usually intrinsic (no cause can be
demonstrated), but is occasionally caused by a specific allergy (such as allergy to mold, dander,
dust). Although most individuals with asthma will have some positive allergy tests, the allergy is
not necessarily the cause of the asthma symptoms.

Symptoms can occur spontaneously or can be triggered by respiratory infections, exercise, cold
air, tobacco smoke or other pollutants, stress or anxiety, or by food allergies or drug allergies.
The muscles of the bronchial tree become tight and the lining of the air passages become
swollen, reducing airflow and producing the wheezing sound. Mucus production is increased.

Typically, the individual usually breathes relatively normally, and will have periodic attacks of
wheezing. Asthma attacks can last minutes to days, and can become dangerous if the airflow
becomes severely restricted. Asthma affects 1 in 20 of the overall population, but the incidence is
1 in 10 in children. Asthma can develop at any age, but some children seem to outgrow the
illness. Risk factors include self or family history of eczema, allergies or family history of
asthma. Bronchial asthma causes cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Bronchial asthma is
an allergic condition, in which the airways (bronchi) are hyper-reactive and constrict abnormally
when exposed to allergens, cold or exercise.

Treatment is aimed at avoiding known allergens and controlling symptoms through medication.
A variety of medications for treatment of asthma are available. People with mild asthma
(infrequent attacks) may use inhalers on an as-needed basis. Persons with significant asthma
(symptoms occur at least every week) should be treated with anti-inflammatory medications,
preferably inhaled corticosteroids, and then with bronchodilators such as inhaled Alupent or
Vanceril. Acute severe asthma may require hospitalization, oxygen, and intravenous
medications.
Decrease or control exposure to known allergens by staying away from cigarette smoke,
removing animals from bedrooms or entire houses, and avoiding foods that cause symptoms.
Allergy desensitization is rarely successful in reducing symptoms.