Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial Asthma

Definition:

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by recurring episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or early in the morning.

Causes / Etiology:

Asthma is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The exact cause is unknown but it is believed to result from an overactive response of the immune system to an allergen or irritant.

Types or Classification:

1. Allergic Asthma: This type of asthma is caused by an allergic reaction to substances like dust mites, pollen, or pet dander.
2. Non-Allergic Asthma: This type of asthma is caused by irritants like smoke, pollution, or respiratory infections.
3. Occupational Asthma: This type of asthma is caused by exposure to certain substances in the workplace.
4. Exercise-Induced Asthma: This type of asthma is triggered by physical activity.

Pathology:

The pathology of asthma involves a complex interplay of inflammatory cells and mediators in the airways. The process begins with the activation of eosinophils and mast cells by an allergen or irritant, leading to the release of histamine and other chemical mediators. These mediators cause the airway smooth muscles to contract, leading to bronchospasm and airway narrowing.

Clinical Features:

General features:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness

Specific features:

• Nocturnal symptoms
• Morning symptoms
• Exacerbation by allergens or irritants
• Improvement with medication

Complications:

Acute complications:

• Respiratory failure
• Status asthmaticus
• Cardiac complications

Chronic complications:

• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Pulmonary hypertension

Diagnosis / Investigations:

Routine tests:

• Spirometry
• Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)

Special tests:

• Chest X-ray
• Allergy tests (skin prick or blood tests)
• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)

Management:

General management:

• Avoidance of allergens or irritants
• Use of inhalers

Modern treatment:

• Corticosteroids
• Bronchodilators
• Leukotriene modifiers
• Monoclonal antibodies

Dietary advice:

• Avoidance of dairy products
• Increased omega-3 fatty acids

Homeopathic Therapeutics:

1. Ars-alb:

• Symptoms worsen in damp atmosphere
• Coughing up thick mucus
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing

2. Ipecac:

• Coughing up frothy mucus
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Nocturnal symptoms

3. Bryonia:

• Symptoms worsen in dry atmosphere
• Coughing up dry mucus
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing

4. Antimonium-tart:

• Symptoms worsen in damp atmosphere
• Coughing up thick mucus
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness

5. Kali-bich:

• Symptoms worsen in damp atmosphere
• Coughing up mucus
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing