Bronchial asthma (or asthma) is a lung disease. Your airways get narrow and swollen and are blocked by excess mucus. Medications can treat these symptoms.

1. Asthma
Presented by
Amer M. Nassir
Instructor

2. Asthma
Is a common long-term inflammatory disease of the
airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and
recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and
bronchospasm

3. Causes of asthma
• 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

4. Causes of asthma
• Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke
• Certain medications, including beta blockers,
aspirin, ibuprofen
• Strong emotions and stress
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a
condition in which stomach acids back up into
throat

5. Risk factors
1. Family history (such as a parent or sibling) with
asthma
2. Allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis or
allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
3. Being overweight
4. Being a smoker
5. Exposure to secondhand smoke
6. Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of
pollution
7. Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals
used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing

6. Asthma signs and symptoms include:
1. Shortness of breath
2. Chest tightness or pain
3. Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath,
coughing or wheezing
4. A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling
(wheezing is a common sign of asthma in
children)
5. Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened
by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu

7. Types of asthma
,
1. Exercise-induced asthmawhich may be
worse when the air is cold and dry
2. Occupational asthma, triggered by
workplace irritants such as chemical fumes,
gases or dust
3. 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)

8. Diagnosis test of asthma
• Imaging tests. A chest X-ray and high-
resolution computerized tomography
(CT) scan of lungs and nose cavities
(sinuses) can identify any structural
abnormalities or diseases (such as
infection) that can cause or aggravate
breathing problems.
• Allergy testing. This can be performed
by a skin test or blood test. Allergy tests
can identify allergy to pets, dust, mold
and pollen.

9. Tests to measure lung function
• Spirometry. This test estimates the narrowing of
bronchial tubes by checking how much air can
exhale after a deep breath and how fast can
breathe out.

10. • Peak flow. A peak flow meter is a simple
device that measures how hard can breathe
out. Lower than usual peak flow readings are
a sign lungs may not be working as well and
that asthma may be getting worse.

11. Treatment
1. Inhaled corticosteroids. These anti-inflammatory drugs
include fluticasone
2. Leukotriene modifiers. These oral medications —
including montelukast
3. Long-acting beta agonists. These inhaled medications,
which include salmeterol for open the airways.
4. Theophylline. Theophylline is a daily pill that helps keep
the airways open (bronchodilator) by relaxing the
muscles around the airways.
5. Allergy shots (). allergy shots gradually reduce immune
system immunotherapyreaction to specific allergens.

12. Complications of asthma
1. psychological problems including stress,
anxiety and depression.
2. pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
3. a collapse of part or all of the lung
4. respiratory failure,
5. status asthmaticus (severe asthma attacks
that do not respond to treatment). life-
threatening and will need medical treatment.