Bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma: symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment in the best clinics

Bronchial asthma is a fairly common disease of the respiratory system, which affects up to 10% of the world’s inhabitants. Pathology can occur in both children and adults. According to the World Health Organization, asthma in children is the most common chronic disease. It is believed that as the environment becomes more polluted and a sedentary lifestyle becomes more widespread, the number of cases of this disease may increase.

This is a rather dangerous disease that can significantly complicate life, and in some cases even cause death. However, timely treatment of asthma and the use of new effective therapies can, in most cases, alleviate the condition, reduce symptoms and minimize the number of deaths.

Bronchial asthma – what is it?

Bronchial asthma is a non-infectious disease that has a chronic course, in which inflammatory processes occur in the tissues of the bronchi. This disease is characterized by specific attacks, in which choking, wheezing and coughing occur. The disease can be caused by allergic agents, chemicals, or exposure to physical factors. During attacks, patients experience a violation of the patency of the bronchi, as a result of which the ventilation of the respiratory system is noticeably reduced.

Classification of bronchial asthma

There are several types of disease:

• Allergic form. The disease is activated when allergens enter the bronchi.
• Тon-allergic form. The development of the disease occurs without the participation of allergens.
• Mixed form. Both mechanisms are involved, the action of allergens and at the same time factors of a non-allergic nature are present.

There are several degrees of severity of the condition:

• Intermittent. Attacks are short and occur no more than once a week, at night – less than 2 times a month.
• Light persistent. The frequency of occurrence of attacks is more than 1 time in 7 days, in one day there can be no more than 1 attack. Sleep problems may occur, and physical activity is reduced. Night attacks more than a few times a month.
• Persistent asthma of moderate severity. The patient has daily attacks of suffocation, nighttime ones are also often disturbed. Characterized by sleep problems and decreased physical activity.
• Severe persistent. The disease daily reminds of itself with attacks with the most severe manifestations.

Causes of bronchial asthma

This is a chronic relapsing disease, the development of which is based on increased activity of the bronchi, against which their obstruction occurs paroxysmal. The development of the disease can be caused by the influence of various exogenous and endogenous factors, including:

• Heredity. If one of the parents of a child suffers from bronchial asthma, then the probability of having this disease is 20-30%. If both parents are ill, then the risk of developing is about 75%.
• Environmental factors. It is believed that they cause the development of bronchial asthma in 3-6%. Among environmental factors, car exhaust, smoke, all kinds of harmful fumes, etc. should be indicated.
• Harmful working conditions. Bronchial asthma, which develops when working in conditions of increased dust and fumes, is called professional.
• Contact with various allergens. This is one of the most common factors. Household allergens include dust and mites. Also, food allergens, household chemicals, etc. can give a reaction.

Frequent bronchitis, smoking, and reduced immunity contribute to the development of the disease.

Symptoms and signs of bronchial asthma

The main symptom of this pathology is recurrent attacks of suffocation, the frequency and intensity of which can vary significantly.

The main symptoms of bronchial asthma include the following:

• a feeling of heaviness in the chest;
• breathing problems, wheezing, and whistling sounds;
• difficult exhalation;
• cough with phlegm.

Symptoms may occur in a patient with varying intensity depending on the severity of the course. But even with a mild form, it is necessary to pay attention to this condition, make an appointment with a doctor and undergo a diagnosis.

What is dangerous in asthma?

If the disease is not diagnosed in time and treatment is not selected, the quality of life noticeably worsens. If this pathology is found in a child, then it can pass into adulthood and, without appropriate therapy, lead to disability.

Several serious complications may occur, such as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and emphysema.

It is also dangerous when status asthmaticus occurs. This is a severe attack, stronger than usual, which can last up to several hours and is difficult to control with conventional drugs. In such cases, urgent medical attention may be required, otherwise, there is a risk of death.

Timely treatment of the disease helps to avoid the transition to a severe form and prevents the development of complications. Contact us and the medical coordinators of MedTour will help you find a medical center to make a high-quality diagnosis and choose an effective treatment.

Diagnosis of bronchial asthma

A comprehensive examination is carried out to diagnose the disease.

The doctor prescribes a series of laboratory tests. Instrumental diagnostics are also carried out, which may include: chest x-ray, spirometry, peak expiratory flow rate, chest CT scan, and bronchoscopy.

Properly selected examinations allow differential diagnosis of diseases similar in symptoms (for example, COPD).

What tests can show asthma?

To make an accurate diagnosis, the following tests are usually prescribed:

• general blood test;
• biochemical blood test;
• microscopy of sputum;
• allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) test.

Treatment of bronchial asthma

Modern treatment of bronchial asthma involves an integrated approach, which includes:

• the use of bronchodilators, anti-inflammatories, steroids, and other drugs;
• inhalation of various types of drugs;
• speleotherapy;
• chest massage;
• physiotherapy exercises.

When diagnosing bronchial asthma, sanatorium treatment gives good and positive results. It is also recommended to improve the lifestyle, stop smoking, monitor the air the patient breathes in the room, and try to exclude contact with allergens.

Is it possible to get rid of asthma completely?

Unfortunately, today the disease is considered incurable, but controllable. Doctors seek to choose treatment in such a way as to eliminate or reduce symptoms as much as possible, to teach the patient to take the disease under control. However, not all forms of the disease respond well to traditional approaches. Therefore, there is always a search for new methods that will be more effective and avoid severe manifestations of the disease.

The latest methods of treatment of bronchial asthma

One of the most promising methods is the use of mesenchymal stem cells. The modern treatment of asthma with cell therapy involves the use of one’s cells. Mesenchymal stem cells are taken from a patient’s bone or adipose tissue, cultured, and then injected intravenously.

The peculiarity of stem cells is that they are progenitor cells and can turn into any cells in the body. Due to this unique property, they can have a positive effect on the body in several ways. Studies have shown that the use of mesenchymal stem cells:

• improves the state of the immune system;
• promotes the regeneration of lung tissue;
• reduces allergic reactions;
• reduces the frequency of colds;
• reduces the number of seizures.

Today, this method is actively used in pulmonology. In particular, in the treatment of bronchial asthma, a positive result is observed in more than 75% of patients.

The use of this method allows for reducing the frequency of attacks, their strength and duration, and improving overall health.

At this stage, additional studies are still being carried out, the features of the application of the technique are being clarified, and protocols for the use of stem cells are being finalized. However, even today some clinics and doctors effectively use this method for the treatment of bronchial asthma and are ready to treat patients from different parts of the world.

The best clinics for the treatment of bronchial asthma

Many well-known clinics in the world specializing in pulmonological diseases are engaged in the treatment of bronchial asthma. You can get to the best asthma treatment centers in different countries. We will help you choose a clinic that uses the latest effective methods, demonstrates the high effectiveness of the treatment of this pathology, and will best meet your needs.

The best doctors for the treatment of bronchial asthma

Asthma is treated by pulmonologists and allergists. Medical coordinators of MedTour will help you choose a good specialist with extensive clinical experience and high performance in the world’s leading clinics.

To learn more about the possibilities of using cell therapy in your case, you can sign up for an online consultation with Andriy Kovalchuk, a doctor who specializes in the use of regenerative cell medicine for various pathological conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is not recommended for asthma?

If bronchial asthma is diagnosed, do not smoke. There may also be food restrictions. In the allergic form of asthma, it may be recommended to limit or exclude certain food groups. It is better to consult with an allergist about the peculiarities of nutrition.

Can I exercise with asthma?

During an attack, physical activity is contraindicated. At the first signs, such as uneven breathing, spasm, or coughing, you need to stop any physical activity. However, when there is no attack, then physical therapy, on the contrary, is recommended, and a physically active lifestyle helps to improve the condition.

How long does a person with asthma live?

In most cases, bronchial asthma does not affect life expectancy but has a negative impact on its quality. However, with the development of complications and severe forms of the disease, the risk of death increases. Properly selected treatment and monitoring of the condition will help minimize the impact of the disease on the duration and quality of life.

How is сell therapy for asthma performed?

First, mesenchymal stem cells are collected from the patient. After that, in laboratory conditions, their number is increased and processed in a special way. The resulting drug is administered intravenously. The doctor determines the dose of the drug and the number of procedures individually, taking into account the characteristics of the person’s condition.

Published: 08.05.2023

Updated: 08.06.2024

Medical author, Medical editor:

Natalia Segen

Medical author, Medical editor:

Olena Kursabaieva

Information on this webpage verified by the medical expert

Medical Doctor, oncologist, PHD student

Kateryna Maliarchuk