PRESENTATION

ASTHMA

By

NOVITA DEWI

(0433131420117067)
 TITLE

ASTHMA

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Backgroumd
Asthma is a complex disease affecting the lungs that can be managed but cannot be
cured. Asthma can be controlled well in most people most of the time, although
1

some people may have more persistent problems. Asthma attacks (exacerbations)
occur when symptoms worsen, and those affected can require hospitalization. There
are different types of asthma; more than half of patients have Type 2 asthma, an
important distinction because the causes of inflammation that result in Type 2
asthma symptoms have been clearly identified. There are 334 million people with
asthma across the globe today, The number of asthma patients could grow by a
third within ten years due to better diagnosis and changes in diet, housing, pollution
and exposure to nature. A quarter of a million people die from asthma each year
worldwide, or one person every two minutes.The annual costs of healthcare and lost
productivity on account of asthma are €33.9 billion in the EU. Of this, direct costs for
drugs, inpatient and outpatient care were €19.5 billion, and indirect costs €14.4
billion. A small fraction of people with asthma are estimated to have severe disease
yet they absorb over 50% of the treatments costs and account for nearly 40% of
asthma deaths. It is estimated that 10% of asthma patients have severe disease that
is not controlled by medication. Costs for uncontrolled patients can be more than
double those for controlled patients.

2. DEFINITION AND SYMPTOMS

2.1. Definition
Asthma is an incurable illness of the airways. Asthma attacks all age groups
but often starts in childhood. The disease causes inflammation and
narrowing inside the lung, restricting air supply. The symptoms of asthma
often present in periodic attacks or episodes of tightness in the chest,
wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing.
During the development of asthma, the airways swell and become extremely
sensitive to some of the substances a person might inhale. so they become
 easily irritated. When this increased sensitivity causes a reaction, the muscles
that control the airways tighten. In doing so, they might restrict the airways
even further and trigger an overproduction of mucus.
2.2. The Symptoms
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You may have infrequent
asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times — such as when
exercising — or have symptoms all the time.
Asthma signs and symptoms include:
 Shortness of breath
 Chest tightness or pain
 Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
 A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common
sign of asthma in children)
 Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus,
such as a cold or the flu
Signs that your asthma is probably worsening include:

 Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and bothersome
 Increasing difficulty breathing (measurable with a peak flow meter, a
device used to check how well your lungs are working)
 The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often
For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain
situations:

 Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and
dry
 Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical
fumes, gases or dust
 Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen,
mold spores, cockroach waste or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by
pets (pet dander).

3. ASPECTS THAT CAN CAUSE OF ASTHMA

3.1. Aspects can cause of asthma
It isn't clear why some people get asthma and others don't, but it's probably due to
a combination of environmental and genetic (inherited) factors.
 Asthma triggers
Exposure to various irritants and substances that trigger allergies (allergens) can
trigger signs and symptoms of asthma. Asthma triggers are different from person to
person and can include:

 Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or
particles of cockroach waste
 Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
 Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
 Cold air
 Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke
 Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin
IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve)
 Strong emotions and stress
 Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages,
including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine
 Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids
back up into your throat

Risk factors
A number of factors are thought to increase your chances of developing asthma.
These include:

 Having a blood relative (such as a parent or sibling) with asthma

 Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis
(hay fever)
 Being overweight
 Being a smoker
 Exposure to secondhand smoke
 Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution
 Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming,
hairdressing and manufacturing

4. THE MEDICAL TREATMENTS

4.1. The Medical Treatments
Likely patient response to treatment is untested in the majority of cases, so
conventional treatment is administered in a stepwise approach, following successive
treatment failure. Asthma treatment starts with reliever therapy, followed by the
addition of preventer medications, as required. In poorly controlled asthma, other
 treatments may be added to the patient’s medication regimen. Treatment doses are
reviewed and altered to achieve the best control using the lowest dose.
Reliever medication is taken via an inhaler to relieve asthma symptoms quickly.
Most often, these inhalers contain a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) which works
by relaxing the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways.
Preventer inhalers work over time to reduce the amount of inflammation and
sensitivity of the airways, and reduce the chances of asthma attacks occurring. They
must be used regularly (typically twice or occasionally once daily) and indefinitely to
keep asthma under control. Most often, preventer inhalers contain inhaled
corticosteroids.
Add-on therapies are introduced if a patient’s asthma does not respond to initial
treatment. The dose of preventer medication may be increased, or an inhaler
containing a long-acting reliever (long-acting bronchodilator/long-acting beta2-
agonist, or LABA) may be prescribed.
Additional treatments include leukotriene receptor antagonists, theophyllines, oral
steroids and injectable monoclonal antibodies. Bronchial thermoplasty may also be
used. Bronchial thermoplasty works by destroying some of the muscles surrounding
the airways in the lungs, which can reduce their ability to narrow the airways.

5. THE PREVENTION
5.1. The Prevention
While there's no way to prevent asthma, by working together, you and your doctor
can design a step-by-step plan for living with your condition and preventing asthma
attacks.
 Follow your asthma action plan. With your doctor and health care team, write
a detailed plan for taking medications and managing an asthma attack. Then be
sure to follow your plan.

Asthma is an ongoing condition that needs regular monitoring and treatment.

Taking control of your treatment can make you feel more in control of your life in
general.

 Get vaccinated for influenza and pneumonia. Staying current with vaccinations
can prevent flu and pneumonia from triggering asthma flare-ups.
  Identify and avoid asthma triggers. A number of outdoor allergens and irritants
— ranging from pollen and mold to cold air and air pollution — can trigger
asthma attacks. Find out what causes or worsens your asthma, and take steps
to avoid those triggers.
 Monitor your breathing. You may learn to recognize warning signs of an
impending attack, such as slight coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. But
because your lung function may decrease before you notice any signs or
symptoms, regularly measure and record your peak airflow with a home peak
flow meter.
 Identify and treat attacks early. If you act quickly, you're less likely to have a
severe attack. You also won't need as much medication to control your
symptoms.

When your peak flow measurements decrease and alert you to an oncoming attack,
take your medication as instructed and immediately stop any activity that may have
triggered the attack. If your symptoms don't improve, get medical help as directed
in your action plan.

 Take your medication as prescribed. Just because your asthma seems to be

improving, don't change anything without first talking to your doctor. It's a
good idea to bring your medications with you to each doctor visit, so your
doctor can double-check that you're using your medications correctly and
taking the right dose.
 Pay attention to increasing quick-relief inhaler use. If you find yourself relying
on your quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol, your asthma isn't under control.
See your doctor about adjusting your treatment.

6. CONCLLUSION