Asthma is a chronic disease that is characterized by airflow obstruction, which is highly variable, both over time and in intensity. What basically happens is inflammation, which is also an exaggerated response of the airways to certain triggers.
The reduction of this variability, with better control of symptoms, is possible to be achieved with appropriate and individualized treatment. The information is from the Working Group on Respiratory Problems of the Brazilian Society of Family and Community Medicine (SBMFC).
“The average prevalence of asthma in Brazil is high, around 24% among schoolchildren and 19% among adolescents. It is among the 20 main reasons for consultation in Primary Health Care (PHC). In Brazil, it is one of the main causes of hospitalization in the Unified Health System (SUS), despite being considered a condition sensitive to PHC, that is, a condition in which effective and timely primary care can prevent emergency visits. and hospitalizations”, explains Maria Lucia Medeiros Lenz, family and community physician at Grupo Hospitalar Conceição and a member of the group.
People with asthma are at greater risk of having attacks when their disease is not controlled, when they are not using controller medications or when they are exposed to triggers. These triggers (triggers) vary greatly from person to person, among the most common: viral infections (colds), cigarette smoke, exercise, mites, animal hair/saliva, laughter, crying, emotions.
Regarding the use of the spray, which many people know as the “inflator”, Maria Lucia advises that the proper technique is essential and adds that the main medications used to control asthma and to treat crises are therefore inhaled. “There are two types of sprays: those for daily use, to control symptoms (inhaled corticosteroids are the most used) and those for occasional use (bronchodilators), when there is coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing and shortness of breath.
It is very important that, at the time of an asthma attack, people know how to start their treatment at home, following a written action plan, so they will feel safer and when they need to look for an emergency service”, completes Maria Lucia.
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis is made, most of the time, by listening calmly and knowing the patient’s history, which facilitates those who practice Family and Community Medicine, as they accompany people and entire families over time. Time of onset, repetition of main symptoms (cough, wheezing, shortness of breath), history of having had allergies, family history of asthma, are among important diagnostic criteria. Physical examination, in the presence of symptoms, is also very helpful. Some complementary tests can be performed (eg spirometry), but they should always be evaluated together with the history and physical examination.
In times of climate change or in winter, many have symptoms again. During these periods, more viral respiratory infections occur, which can trigger crises, especially in children.
“It is necessary that people seek to know more about their disease so that they can actively participate in their treatment and maintain adherence. Many people, when better and without symptoms, stop using the medication before the most indicated time. Multiprofessional asthma care is also important. The participation of professionals such as pharmacists and/or nurses in the care of people with asthma greatly qualifies care. There are important issues to be conveyed with the aim of facilitating adherence to treatment and the use of the most appropriate inhalation technique”, concludes Maria Lucia.
