Of all diseases of the respiratory system, bronchial asthma is the most diverse form and species. Among the main signs, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing attacks can be distinguished. Despite the similarity of symptoms, the main principle of diagnosis is the identification of provoking factors.
Regardless of the type of asthma, all applied therapeutic methods are the same, but in the presence of complications, the treatment regimen may vary somewhat.
Classification of the disease by etiology
By their appearance, doctors distinguish such types of asthma as endogenous, exogenous and mixed origin. With an exogenous form, symptoms occur as a result of irritation of the respiratory mucosa by allergens coming from the external environment. These include:
- animal hair;
- dust;
- mold;
- pollen of plants.
The endogenous type of disease occurs in response to changes that occur within the body. Provocative factors include non-infectious and infectious diseases, stress and nervous disorders.
If seizures occur as a result of exposure to several irritants, then this type of disease is of a mixed type.
Atopic form
Atopic asthma is associated with exogenous factors. The attack occurs as a result of exposure to the epithelium and coat of animals, plant allergens. This is an obstructive type of disease of a chronic course.
The primary role in the development of the disease has a genetic predisposition. This type of asthma is very common, and doctors note the progressive growth of a similar pathology. Often it occurs in men and begins to develop from about 10 years old. Among the main causes of the disease can be identified such as:
- animal hair;
- house dust;
- fungal spores;
- medications;
- pollen of plants.
Despite the fact that the clinical picture of all types of disease is approximately the same, there are certain differences. Atopic asthma is characterized by the appearance of precursors, in particular, such as pain in the throat, runny nose. After this, characteristic symptomatology begins to increase, namely:
- redness of the eyes;
- suffocation;
- unproductive cough.
Breathing becomes hoarse and difficult on exhalation: the patient takes a forced position for better air access.
Even during the course of remission, inflammation persists on the walls of the bronchi. If the course of the disease is long, then the changes become irreversible.
Infectious form
The infectious form of asthma differs from allergenic in that in the second case, swelling of the mucosa and spasm occurs when the tissue is irritated by an allergen. An infectious type of disease develops when bacteria and viruses enter the respiratory system. In many cases, pathogens cause the onset of allergies. They make the mucous membrane more permeable, weaken the body, which often leads to a chronic course of the disease.
In children, this form of asthma is quite rare. It is mainly observed in people aged 30-40 years. However, the more often a child is ill with colds, the higher the likelihood of future obstruction.
Patients with this form of asthma develop faster and more often complications, in particular, such as heart failure, emphysema, pneumosclerosis. The attack occurs as a result of damage by bacteria and the occurrence of respiratory diseases. Among the main manifestations, one can distinguish an increase in temperature, fever, and when coughing, sputum production with impurities of pus. Shortness of breath is already permanent, and the attack is aggravated by weakness and fever.
Atypical form
There are several types of asthma that are not included in the usual classification. These include aspirin and professional. The aspirin form develops as a result of asthma, the presence of polypous formations, as well as taking certain medications.
As a result of the ongoing pathological processes, a polyectomy begins, against which asthma develops. In the presence of these diseases, a person begins to take anti-inflammatory drugs that provoke cell sensitization. The attack can last for 2 hours. The complexity of the treatment lies in the fact that the use of certain drugs is contraindicated for such patients, since they can further increase inflammation. Anaphylactic shock can be a complication.
The professional form of the disease is associated with the specifics of work. Asthma often develops in people who work with substances that release immunoglobulins. This group includes substances such as:
- metals, polymers;
- flavored oils;
- allergens of biological origin;
- resins and sawdust;
- coal dust;
- concentrates for the manufacture of drugs and vaccines.
The pathogenesis of this disease is associated with the constant presence of irritating elements in the respiratory system. As a result, metabolic degradation occurs. Since tissues are constantly irritated, they begin to atrophy. The main principle of therapy is the exclusion of contact with an infectious agent.
Non allergenic form
Non-allergic asthma ICD 10 J45.1 is different in that it occurs when exposed to various stimuli. The main provoking factors include:
- smells of paints, alcohol solutions, perfumes;
- cold air;
- temperature changes and changes in weather conditions;
- laughter and a sharp exhale.
Despite the fact that this type of disease does not depend on provoking factors and proceeds like all other forms of asthma, its main difference is in provoking factors.
In the later stages of the disease, a person begins to experience a very strong fear of an attack. That is why during the treatment, an allergist, pulmonologist, therapist, as well as a therapist works with the patient.
Form of physical stress
Many people suffering from asthma notice an exacerbation after physical exertion, and in some this factor becomes the main cause of the attack. Symptoms in this case are slightly expressed and last about 10-15 minutes, and in some cases, can last for an hour.
According to studies, the main cause of the attack is irritation of the nerve endings. Sometimes the reflex can be triggered by a temperature drop, which is observed with increased breaths.
Other forms of the disease
There are also other types of diseases, among which it is necessary to distinguish infectious and allergic asthma. The cause of its occurrence is the chronic presence of infection in the respiratory tract. This form of asthma is often diagnosed in adult patients and very rarely in children. The presence of persistent inflammation becomes the main cause of changes in the anatomical structure and functions of the bronchi, namely:
- decrease in their volume;
- muscle enlargement;
- increased pathological reaction to the stimulus.
Such changes lead to very serious respiratory failure. After a while, allergy symptoms begin to develop. Remission is replaced by periods of exacerbation, during which you can observe the occurrence of many pathologies of the respiratory tract.
Mixed asthma occurs under the influence of endogenous and exogenous factors and has signs of both of these types of disease.
The cardiac form of the disease is characterized by the fact that seizures occur only in adult patients who suffer from heart failure or related chronic heart diseases. With its course, there is no decrease in the lumen of the bronchi. Difficulty breathing, however, this occurs as a result of the occurrence of cardiac pathologies.
Nighttime asthma is characterized by the fact that there is a lack of air and poor health during sleep. The causes of this form of the disease are not yet fully understood, there are only a few hypotheses regarding its origin.
Unspecified asthma ICD 10 J45.9 manifests itself mainly in old age. The main reasons for it are not fully established, however, experts believe that it forms against the background of a prolonged course of the inflammatory process in the bronchi.
Severity
According to the severity of asthma, such as:
- intermittent;
- light
- moderate severity;
- heavy persistent.
With the occurrence of intermittent asthma, attacks are quite rare, less than 1 time per week. When determining the severity, the occurrence of seizures during sleep is taken into account. They can be no more than 2 times a month. It should be noted that performance remains within the normal range.
Mild severity is characterized by much more frequent seizures. In the daytime, they can be up to 1 time per week, and at night - 2 times a month or more. At this time, the patient’s well-being worsens, he sleeps poorly, fatigue and weakness are noted.
With moderate asthma, the symptoms of the disease are observed daily. At night, seizures can be more than 1 time per week. In severe cases, a person absolutely completely loses working capacity, and seizures are observed daily.
Main symptoms
Patients must understand very precisely how asthma begins. Symptoms of the course of the disease can be such as:
- persistent debilitating cough;
- loud wheezing with a whistle;
- severe shortness of breath;
- suffocation.
When an adult has a seizure, he has to breathe through his mouth. At the same time, the neck, shoulders and torso are very tight. When the airways narrow, breathing in is much easier than breathing out.
With bronchospasm, air does not completely escape from the lungs and slight bloating is observed. When an adult suffers from asthma for a long time, the so-called "pigeon chest" is formed.
If the patient has a very severe form of asthma, then a characteristic whistle will not be heard in the airways, since there is no way to take a full breath, and even more difficult to exhale.
Diagnostics
Treatment of bronchial asthma in adults and children begins only after a comprehensive diagnosis. Initially, the doctor performs an external examination, collects a history of the course of the disease, and also directs him to conduct the study. When making a diagnosis, data such as:
- frequency of attacks;
- main symptoms
- test results.
Sputum analysis and radiography are required. Special diagnostic methods are the study of breathing. This necessarily takes into account the strength, frequency and speed of inspiration. Treatment should be carried out only by a qualified doctor, since with improperly conducted therapy, various kinds of complications can occur.
Treatment features
Given the clinical recommendations for bronchial asthma, therapy must necessarily be multi-stage. According to this approach, the volume of treatment largely depends on the activity of the inflammatory process in the bronchi. After eliminating contact with a provoking factor to eliminate spasm, apply drugs such as:
- neurostimulants and antispasmodics;
- bronchodilator betaadrenoreceptor agonists;
- corticosteroids;
- anticholinergics.
Treatment of bronchial asthma in adults must be comprehensive and long-term, in order to prevent the disease from becoming chronic and to prevent complications.
The patient must have an inhaler on hand and know how to use it correctly. In bronchial asthma, clinical recommendations for the treatment of this disease in children, adolescents and adults imply the use of the same drugs, however, in different dosages and combinations. It is worth noting that drugs are selected strictly individually based on the available symptoms.
It is very important to provide emergency care for cardiac asthma to the patient while transporting him to the hospital. If there is overexcitation of the respiratory center, accompanied by frequent breathing, then drugs from the group of narcotic analgesics should be used. In the presence of strong psychomotor agitation, the administration of antipsychotics is additionally indicated.
It is worth noting that timely emergency care for cardiac asthma will help maintain normal lung and heart function and avoid death. After eliminating the attack, subsequent treatment is carried out in a hospital. Exercise therapy for asthma is important, however, it is worth noting that only a qualified doctor should select all the exercises. A special complex will help normalize breathing and prolong the period of remission.