The doctor named the main mistake of patients in the treatment of bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma remains one of the most underestimated chronic diseases, as its early manifestations can easily be confused with a cold or a stress reaction. Dmitry Bulanov, Director of the Department of Pathomorphology and Clinical Cytology at the LabQuest Laboratory, Candidate of Medical Sciences, told Izvestia on December 11 about how to control the disease in time.

According to the expert, asthma is a chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract, which causes the bronchi to become too sensitive to external stimuli.

"The air becomes difficult to pass through — shortness of breath, wheezing, and a feeling of heaviness in the chest appear. In the early stages, these changes are completely reversible, but if left untreated for a long time, inflammation leads to bronchial remodeling — structural disorders that are already difficult to correct. Although many people get the impression that the disease is "always with them," modern therapy regimens allow them to live actively, without restrictions," the specialist explained.

He noted that the disease is more often formed under the influence of several factors at once — heredity and the external environment. Contact with polluted air, tobacco smoke, frequent infections in childhood, and chemical irritants at work all increase the risk. A special role is played by allergies, in which the immune system begins to perceive familiar substances as a threat, which triggers bronchospasm.

Due to the variety of triggers — from house dust to emotional stress — asthma is often mistaken for bronchitis or a prolonged cold. Bulanov stressed that it is impossible to make a diagnosis based on complaints alone: respiratory function studies and allergological diagnostics are required.

"Treatment is based on the control of inflammation. The basis of therapy is inhaled glucocorticosteroids, which reduce inflammation in the bronchial wall, reduce hyperreactivity and help prevent exacerbations. Depending on the severity, bronchodilators, antileukotriene drugs, or biological therapy are added to them. The usual strategy for many is to use only a "rescue" inhaler, which is dangerous: it relieves symptoms, but does not affect the inflammatory process, which continues to progress unnoticed by humans," the expert said.

He added that the success of therapy largely depends on the patient: it is necessary to follow the doctor's prescriptions, monitor contact with allergens, stop smoking and monitor the condition of the house. It is also important to notice the deterioration in a timely manner and understand what actions to take in each case.

On October 31, scientists at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), led by Insung Kang, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, found that improved ventilation systems significantly improve indoor air quality and make breathing easier for people with asthma. Three types of ventilation were used in the experiment: reinforced exhaust fans, air supply systems through centralized heating and cooling, as well as recuperators that ensure constant air exchange. All options have had a positive effect, but energy recovery systems have shown the best results.

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