What is asthma, and what are its symptoms?
Sep 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
In general, asthma usually refers to bronchial asthma, a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation involving various cells and cellular components. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, throat itching, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Patients are advised to undergo symptomatic treatment as directed by their healthcare provider. If symptoms occur or worsen, patients should seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
In general, asthma usually refers to bronchial asthma, a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation involving various cells and cellular components. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, sore throat, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Cough
Coughing in asthma is typically spasmodic and paroxysmal, often worsening at night. It may also be triggered by exposure to irritants such as perfumes or other strong odors, which can provoke severe coughing episodes—often indicating the presence of asthma. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as salmeterol xinafoate aerosol or budesonide inhalation aerosol for treatment.
2. Wheezing
Wheezing in asthma is often accompanied by audible whistling sounds—described as a "whistling" or "squeaking" noise, similar to a small chick chirping in the throat. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as salbutamol aerosol or terbutaline sulfate solution for nebulization.
3. Sore throat/Throat irritation
Bronchial asthma involves chronic airway inflammation, leading to heightened airway sensitivity and reactivity, along with reversible airflow limitation, manifesting as episodic throat irritation. Under medical guidance, patients may take antihistamines such as cetirizine hydrochloride capsules or loratadine tablets.
4. Chest tightness
Chest tightness often indicates an acute asthma attack caused by bronchial spasm and resulting clinical symptoms. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as compound methoxyphenamine capsules or aminophylline tablets.
5. Difficulty breathing
Exposure to allergens or cold air may trigger asthma attacks, causing bronchial spasm, impaired ventilation function, and consequently shortness of breath. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as azelastine fluticasone nasal spray or mometasone furoate nasal spray.
If patients experience any discomfort, they should seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
