What is Asthma?
Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system where the airways get obstructed due to
muscle spasm, swelling within the airways or thick secretions. This is most often
triggered by drugs, exercise, allergy to dust and chemicals and other allergens. |
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What are the symptoms of Asthma?
Intermittent wheezing, shortness of breath, a tight feeling in the chest and cough are the
typical symptoms. But in the elderly, wheezing maybe absent and the only signs maybe cough
and difficulty in breathing. Many elders may also have a confusional state of mind. One
should take care to visit the doctor immediately as the symptoms may also be due to other
major problems like heart failure. |
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Aren't children more prone to asthma than the elderly?
Yes, in fact most of the elderly asthmatics are those in whom the asthma has persisted
from childhood. But it may be also of late onset, in which case it is not usually
due to allergy. |
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Do many elders suffer from Asthma?
20% of the elderly population suffers from asthma. 30% of this group suffers from late
onset asthma. |
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Why is asthma more complicated in the elderly?
Loss of elastic recoil of the airways, decrease in the lung function, associated chronic
problems and resistance to drugs may complicate the problem in the elderly. |
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Is Asthmatic Bronchitis completely curable?
No, Asthma can be controlled as and when an attack occurs. It is mostly an environmental
problem associated with genetic factors and psychological stress. But, with respiratory
exercise, drugs and avoidance of irritants, a person can lead a fairly comfortable life. |
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What are the treatments available?
There are many types of drugs that the doctor may prescribe, but inhalers that help to
dialate the airways are the most preferred. |
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