Memo for a patient with bronchial asthma

A reminder for a patient with bronchial asthma was developed with the aim of educating the patient to achieve the most positive result of treatment, which also provides for the prevention of the disease.

It must be remembered that bronchial asthma is characterized by a chronic course that requires constant monitoring and control of the respiratory tract. It is important to remember that self-treatment should not be stopped in any case, even with a noticeable improvement in the condition. Treatment should be long-term. In addition, prevention is of great importance, with the observance of which it is possible to achieve long-term remission.

Important!

Each patient suffering from this disease should be able to recognize the onset of an acute attack in a timely manner and perform the necessary algorithm of actions to neutralize it. Prevention and course of bronchial asthma directly depend on the correct implementation of all therapeutic recommendations. Often a person's life depends on it.

It must be remembered that drugs used in the treatment of asthmatic diseases are divided into a bronchodilator group (used to relieve and prevent the development of an attack) and anti-inflammatory (actively affecting the neutralization of the inflammatory processes of the respiratory paths). It is preferable to use these drugs by inhalation.

The most effective are glucocorticosteroid drugs that can be prescribed in the treatment of bronchial asthma. In addition, such drugs are used for prophylaxis to prevent the disease. Independent refusal of hormonal therapy provokes the progression of bronchial asthma and the appearance of an irreversible process in the bronchi. Compliance with all medical recommendations prevents the possible development of secondary infections.

Prevention and effectiveness of therapy in the development of asthma directly depend on his ability to use inhalers. Therefore, it is recommended that you undergo training with your doctor before using a medication inhaler. This will clarify some of the features of its use.

Rules for the use of aerosol inhalers

The memo recommends that before using the cartridge, shake it several times, and then remove the cap and insert the inhaler into the spacer.

• It is necessary to exhale slowly and press the spacer (mouth end) with your lips;
• press the can to get the aerosol into the spacer;
• then inhale very slowly with a breath holding for 7-10 seconds;
• after that, exhalation is made through the mouth of the spacer, followed by detachment from it;
• if it is necessary to introduce a second dose of the drug, it is necessary to take a short break (30-60 seconds).

In the event that chronic diseases are present and it is necessary to take other medications, it is recommended to consult a doctor, since some types of drugs (beta-blockers, aspirin, antihypertensives, etc.), when used together, can reduce the effectiveness in the treatment of bronchial asthma. It is important to remember that timely prevention can reduce negative manifestations.

Subject to correct treatment of the disease, the need for bronchodilator drugs (Salbutamol, Berodual, Berotek, etc.) decreases, which helps to control the situation.

In addition, timely prevention reduces the risk of side effects and avoids hospitalization of the patient. It should be noted that with bronchial asthma, you can engage in permitted sports, and women can have children.

First aid for choking

1. When an asthmatic attack begins, the most important thing is not to succumb to panic fear, which does not allow you to act correctly in an emergency situation.
2. In the event that an asthma attack begins in a closed room, it is necessary to provide maximum access to fresh air by opening a window or window. You should relax and take the most comfortable position in order to normalize breathing. It is necessary to stop all physical activity, including sports activities, and remain completely at rest for at least 1 hour.
3. In addition, it is recommended to stop possible contact with allergens (plants, animals, food), since they are the most frequent provocateurs of a bronchial attack.

1. If these actions did not help and the symptoms of asthma are more pronounced, you should use pocket inhaler with short-acting bronchodilator, which should always be carried with yourself. Strictly adhering to the application technique, you should make two inhalation breaths with an interval between them of at least 1 minute. The maximum volume of inhaled inhalations and the possibility of using Prednisolone in tablet form are discussed in advance with your doctor.
2. In the event that the condition remains stable and no deterioration is noted, you can reuse 2-3 inhalations with an interval of 20-30 minutes for an hour. If prevention and treatment do not help, after 20 minutes it is necessary to re-assess the condition, and in the absence of improvement and inefficiency of the performed manipulations, it is recommended to seek a highly qualified medical help.

Medications

Each patient should know the properties of inhaled drugs to relieve an asthmatic attack.

Glucocorticosteroids such as Budesonide, Fluticasone and Beclamethasone affect the pathogenic mechanisms of bronchial asthma, reducing sensitivity and inflammation in the airways.

Bronchodilators, which include Salmeterol, Salbutamol, Tiotropium bromide, Fenoterol, Ipratropium bromide and Formoterol, are fast-acting. They begin their pharmacological effect 1-2 minutes after inhalation, so they are usually prescribed to relieve an acute attack of bronchial asthma.

When should you seek medical attention?

The memo, intended for asthmatics, clearly defines the situations when it is necessary to seek professional highly qualified help after the required number of inhalations.

These include an increase in the following symptoms:

1. Strengthening of bronchial symptoms, as well as its preservation after the use of 2 inhalations of a drug that dilates the bronchi.
2. The onset of severe shortness of breath, wheezing and severe spastic cough, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the chest.
3. Possible difficulty in speech pronunciation, characterized by the inability to pronounce some words and even sentences.
4. Indications for seeking emergency help are increased drowsiness and confusion.
5. The appearance of cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle and blue discoloration of the nail phalanges.
6. The appearance of a rapid pulse (more than 100 beats within 1 minute).
7. Noisy breathing, accompanied by tension in the chest and retraction of the skin in the neck and intercostal spaces during inhalation.

It is important to remember that patients with asthmatic diseases should always carry the inhaler with the medication with them and monitor its filling. Such prevention allows you to timely prevent an asthmatic attack and avoid negative manifestations in the future.