Asthma

Abstract

Asthma is a heterogeneous spectrum disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation and bronchial hyper responsiveness. It causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing spells, especially at midnight or in the morning. Asthma is one of the chronic diseases that affects approximately 300 million people all over the world and whose incidence is increasing. Although it is known that genetic and environmental factors play a role in the formation of the disease, its etiopathogenesis has not yet been fully clarified. Risk factors for asthma are: personal factors (genetic factors, gender, obesity) and environmental factors (allergens, infections, smoking, air pollution, diet, occupational exposure). History and physical examination are very important in the diagnosis of asthma. Symptoms may resolve spontaneously or with treatment. The most important symptoms to suspect asthma are frequent upper respiratory tract infections and a history of atopic disease in children. In adult patients, especially in the morning, they suffer wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing attacks. Physical examination may be mostly normal, except for an attack. Pulmonary function tests such as simple spirometry, reversibility tests and PEF meter are used for diagnosis. Drugs in the treatment of asthma can be administered by inhalation, orally or parenterally. Controlling and relaxing drugs are used. Non-pharmacological treatments include vaccinations, avoidance of allergens, smoking cessation, weight loss, and breathing exercises. As a result, family physicians, who are the closest health service providers to the society, should be able to manage patients appropriately in terms of correct diagnosis, treatment and preventive measures from attacks, etc., in asthma. If required, the patient should be referred to the relevant specialist.