Your Guide to How to Manage Asthma in Adults

Written and Collected by Mohamed Hassan Disclaimer You have to check the up-to-date information about the topic

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Introduction :

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by inflammation of the airways, which can cause symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

While there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed effectively with medication and lifestyle changes. Junior doctors play an important role in managing asthma in adults. This blog post will provide an overview of the key principles of asthma management, with a focus on adults.

The Four Pillars of Asthma Management

There are four key pillars of asthma management:

1. Identify and minimize exposure to asthma triggers. Asthma triggers are substances or situations that can worsen asthma symptoms. Common triggers include allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander; irritants, such as smoke, air pollution, and strong smells; and cold air.
2. Understand and take medications as prescribed. There are two main types of asthma medication: preventer inhalers and reliever inhalers. Preventer inhalers are taken daily to control inflammation in the airways and prevent symptoms from occurring. Reliever inhalers are taken as needed to relieve acute symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
3. Monitor asthma to recognize signs when it is getting worse. Junior doctors should teach their patients how to monitor their asthma and recognize signs when it is getting worse. These signs may include an increase in symptoms, a decrease in lung function, and a need to use the reliever inhaler more often.
4. Know what to do when asthma gets worse. If an adult's asthma gets worse, they should seek medical attention immediately. Junior doctors should teach their patients how to use their asthma action plan, which is a written plan that outlines what to do when asthma symptoms get worse.

Other Important Considerations

In addition to the four pillars of asthma management, there are a few other important considerations for junior doctors when managing asthma in adults. These include:

• Vaccinations. Adults with asthma should be up-to-date on their vaccinations, including the flu vaccine and the pneumonia vaccine.
• Lifestyle changes. There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to improve asthma control. These include quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise.
• Psychological factors. Psychological factors, such as stress and anxiety, can also play a role in asthma. Junior doctors should be aware of these factors and how they can affect asthma control.

Conclusion

Asthma is a complex condition, but it can be managed effectively with medication and lifestyle changes. Junior doctors play an important role in managing asthma in adults. By following the four pillars of asthma management and considering other important factors, junior doctors can help their patients to live well with asthma.

Additional Resources

• National Asthma Council Australia: https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/
• Asthma UK: https://www.asthma.org.uk/
• American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/

Please follow the links for the topic : 

Adult Pathways -BLMK Asthma Guidelines for Adults in Primary Care
North Yorkshire CCG and Vale of York CCG Asthma Pathway (Adults)
Algorithm A Initial clinical assessment for adults, young people and children with suspected asthma
Pharmacological treatment of chronic asthma in adults aged 17 and over