The term “asthma” originates from the Greek word “asthma,” which means “difficulty breathing.” Known since ancient times, it has long been shrouded in mysteries and superstitions. Hippocrates is often cited as the first to use the term to describe episodes of wheezing and difficulty breathing, in 450 BC. C. It was not until the 19th century that asthma was recognized as a respiratory tract disease linked to environmental and genetic factors. Today, asthma is prevalent in all countries, regardless of their level of development. Symptoms may appear several times a day and week and worsen in some during physical exertion or at night.
Patients who ignore each other…
Managing asthma involves a two-pronged strategy: treating acute symptoms when they occur and controlling inflammation in the long term to prevent attacks. Fast-acting rescue medications, such as short-acting bronchodilators, help relax the muscles in your airways to quickly relieve symptoms. For long-term management, other therapies are necessary and available. However, 66% of asthmatics suffer from insufficiently controlled asthma. While
Although the disease is associated with more than 60,000 hospitalizations and almost 1,000 deaths per year, 84% of adult patients perceive their asthma as “not at all” or “not really” serious. However, in asthma, basic treatments allow almost 95% of patients to be controlled.
What about so-called “severe” asthma?
Approximately 5 to 10% of asthma patients can classify the disease as severe. The latter may experience persistent symptoms that can have a significant impact on their quality of life, when their asthma is not sufficiently controlled, such as restrictions in physical activity, frequent absences from work or school or even an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. … The disease can also have a psychological impact, causing anxiety and even depression in some… Therefore, an accurate diagnosis and regular follow-up are crucial to control the disease. Beyond the medical chain, attention should also be paid to therapeutic education to help patients recognize the warning signs of a crisis and adjust their medication according to the previously established action plan.
Effective treatment of severe asthma also requires a comprehensive approach that includes management of comorbidities such as allergic rhinitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease, conditions that can worsen asthma symptoms. Quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight are other key factors that contribute to the well-being of asthma patients.
What is certain is that advances in diagnosis and personalized treatment options offer hope for better management of the disease.
This content was produced with Health Observatory. BFMTV editorial staff was not involved in the production of this content.
Source: BFM TV
