Bronchial asthma (from Greek astma – panting , suffocation) is a respiratory disease known since ancient times. Descriptions of asthma and its symptoms are given in the medical works of many ancient authors, such as Hippocrates. The classical description of bronchial asthma as a chronic disease was given by the famous Russian scientist G.I. Sokolsky more than 100 years ago.
People with different ages suffer from asthma, but recently it has been increasingly found in children. Asthma is a chronic disease that can significantly disrupt the life of the body, lead to disability, and through complications that are very serious, even to premature death. The disease can occur in the form of single seizures, which occur sporadically, or have a severe course that can lead to death.
Despite the rapid development of medical science and the emergence of ever new medicines, the incidence and mortality from asthma continues to increase. Moreover, this is characteristic of most developed countries of the world. Undoubtedly, this is facilitated by both large-scale environmental pollution and a decrease in immunity, especially in children, noted in many countries, and for Russia it has become a national problem.
The level of development of modern medicine allows you to confidently diagnose and treat bronchial asthma, using medications and physiotherapeutic procedures.
Modern medicine defines asthma as a chronic, persistent (persistent) inflammation of the airways, mainly the bronchi, occurring with the participation of a number of inflammatory cells.
The inflammatory nature of asthma is associated with the influence of specific and nonspecific factors, which are manifested in inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, which leads to narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi (causes bronchial obstruction). A special role is played by increased sensitivity (hyperreactivity) of the bronchi, because of which under the influence of external influences spasms of the bronchi, swelling of their mucosa occur, which leads to the formation of mucous plugs and subsequent changes in the bronchial wall. The inflammatory process causes seizures that can be confidently diagnosed and manifest in coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and difficulty breathing, heaviness and pain in the chest, especially at night or early in the morning. Attacks are classified as mild, moderate, severe, or life threatening.
In most cases, bronchial asthma is an allergic disease, a characteristic feature of which is suffocation, caused by bronchospasm and edema of the bronchial mucosa. In this case, bronchial obstruction is impaired, which leads to characteristic difficulties in inspiration, lengthening of exhalation and the presence of dry rales.
It is believed that the main predisposing factor for asthma is atopy – an inborn hereditary tendency to allergic reactions. We are always surrounded by allergens, which are risk factors (triggers) for the occurrence and development of asthma, such as house dust, various types of dust mites and insects, wool and animal waste products (especially long-haired at home), plant pollen and volatile emissions of phytoncide plants, mold etc. An active risk factor, especially for children, is passive and active smoking. Respiratory viral infection, inadequate or poorly balanced nutrition can contribute to asthma. In addition, the triggers are increased physical activity (running, climbing uphill or stairs, various physical exercises), smoke from burning wood, rubber, various chemicals, household aerosols, excessive emotional stress, sudden changes in weather, temperature and humidity, nutritional supplements and medications.
For a person suffering from bronchial asthma, both the effect of only one and the simultaneous exposure of several triggers can matter. Modern medicine, through special laboratory tests, allows them to be identified for each individual person. Knowing his triggers, the patient can minimize or eliminate contact with them, which can significantly reduce the risk of asthmatic attacks.
Modern medicine can not only treat, but also predict a predisposition to the onset and development of asthma. It turns out in people predisposed to asthma, changes of 4, 5, 6 and 11 chromosomes are revealed that are responsible for bronchial hyperreactivity, that is, for the reaction of the bronchi to contact with the allergen.
It is worth noting that asthma is heterogeneous in its origin. In modern medicine, it is usually distinguished into: – allergic; – non-allergic; – mixed; – unspecified when the cause of the disease is not identified.