ASTHMA

Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Who has asthma?

People who suffer from asthma are known as ASTHMATICS.

What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that makes
breathing difficult.
It causes the airway to narrow and become inflamed
(swollen).
Asthma is very common worldwide.
In Singapore, 5% of adults and 20% of children suffer from
Asthma.
Anyone can be affected by asthma, however it isnt
contagious.
Asthma is incurable. However, there are medication that can
help to reduce inflammation and open up the airways during
an asthma attack.

What is an Asthma attack?

An Asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma
symptoms.
It is caused by the tightening of muscles around the
airway.

During an Asthma attack, the lining of the airway

becomes inflamed.
During an Asthma attack, there is thicker mucus
produced. The amount of mucus(or phlegm) produced
is also more than usual.

What causes an Asthma attack?

Allergies (Example: Pollen, dust, food,
animal fur.)
Respiratory infections.
Exercise or strenuous activities.
Cold, dry air.

What are the symptoms of an

Asthma attack?
Difficulty breathing.
Shortness of breath.
Rapid breathing.
Wheezing when breathing in and out.
Coughing.
Chest pain or pressure.
History of asthma.
Increased breathing rate.

What is the treatment for an Asthma

attack?
Most asthmatics carry their medication with them. :D
Medication AKA Inhalers.

Metered dose Inhalers (MDI)

These are the most common inhalers.
The first thing a layperson would think of when
inhaler is mentioned.
Portable, easy to carry around.
The medication is administered through a small
aerosol can equipped with a chemical propellant
that pushes the medication into the lungs.
Sometimes used with a spacer.

Treatment (with MDI)

Keep calm and reassure the casualty. Get them to use their
inhaler.
Let them adopt a position they find comfortable. Dont let
the casualty lie down as it can make breathing more
difficult.
Mild attacks should ease within minutes. If not. Ask the
casualty to use the inhaler again.
Call for an ambulance if the attack worsens.
Should the casualty lose consciousness, call for an
ambulance and if possible, seek help from a certified first
aider. Stay with the casualty at all times.

A few slides back, we said MOST

asthmatics carry their
medication with them.
What if they didnt?

Treatment (Without Inhaler)

Call an ambulance or seek medical help especially in the casualty is
young or elderly.
You could let the casualty sip a little bit of drink that contains caffeine.
Caffeine has a chemical structure similar to theophylline, a drug
common is asthma medication. There might not be enough of it to
counteract an asthma attack in the drink, but it is better than do
nothing as it can relieve symptons a little.
Move the casualty away from cold places and anything the casualty
might be allergic to. Cold air can trigger attacks, and so can allergens.
If the casualty is at home, and the cause is most likely an allergic
reaction, let the casualty take some antihistamine (Allergy medicine).
Stay with the casualty at all times.

Q & A Time! :D

THANK YOU!