Asthma

How Avi Medical can help you with asthma

Asthma itself cannot be cured in most cases, but with advanced forms of treatment it is possible to significantly limit the disease. With the right treatment, almost 100% performance is possible. In your conversation with one of our Avi Medical doctors, you will receive individual advice and together we can quickly provide relief with the right treatment, especially in the case of asthma.

Our Doctors your constant companion and always there for you.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs with recurrent attacks of shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing or chest tightness. Sometimes it feels like you're literally running out of breath. The cause of the development of asthma is the combination of hereditary predisposition and environmental influences. We also differentiate between two forms of asthma: allergic and non-allergic asthma.
In asthma, the lower respiratory tract (bronchi) are in a state of constant inflammation and defense, which is further intensified by certain influences. The result is violent reactions to actually harmless stimuli, i.e. an asthma attack. This leads to a spasmodic narrowing of the bronchi, the mucous membranes swell and, in some cases, produce an excessive amount of mucus.

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What are possible symptoms of asthma?

Depending on the severity of the disease, the symptoms occur at different frequencies and severity. Symptoms can vary seasonally depending on the cause of the asthma. The symptoms often occur at night and in the early morning hours.
Symptoms of asthma can be the following:
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• Shortness of breath and shortness of breath
• Feeling of tightness in the chest
• Labored exhalation
• Wheezing, also called "wheezing"
• Restlessness and fear, associated high heart rate
• Possible blue discoloration of fingernails and lips due to lack of oxygen
  

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What are the triggers of asthma?

In principle, there are many different causes that can lead to asthma. A general distinction is made between allergic and non-allergic asthma, but mixed forms can also occur. Genetic inheritance regarding allergies and asthma play a major role, but occupational or environmental triggers are also involved in the development of asthma. For each form there are different triggers that need to be identified in detail. We would be happy to advise you on this so that you can specifically avoid these stimuli.

Asthma is a combination of two components: the permanent inflammation of the bronchi and an external influence that triggers the inflammation .

Allergic asthma is triggered by allergenic substances in the environment (e.g. pollen and animal hair). Genetic inheritance (60-80% heritability) plays a major role, especially in allergies such as hay fever or house dust. It often occurs from the age of two onwards in association with dermatitis, enteritis or rhinitis. Children are affected by allergic asthma more often than adults.
The most common triggers are inhalation allergens, i.e. those that are inhaled through the air and reach the mucous membranes. If such an allergy remains untreated, a so-called floor change can occur, in which, for example, simple hay fever turns into allergic asthma.

Non-allergic asthma usually begins in adulthood and is triggered by non-specific stimuli. Possible triggers include viral or bacterial infections (infection-associated asthma) or various irritants such as smoke, air pollutants or cold air. Heavy laughter or psychological stress can also lead to asthma attacks.

There are often mixed forms of the two types of asthma, so that juvenile, allergic asthma can occur non-allergic asthma progresses in adulthood.

The number of those affected has increased significantly, especially in the last few decades. The reason for this is, among other things, increasing hygiene. Since most diseases and pathogens are contained, the immune system is under-challenged. This leads to substances that are actually harmless being overrated and then attacked by the immune system. An allergic reaction occurs which can also turn into asthma if you change floors.
Together with your Avi Medical doctor, we can determine the cause and thus the appropriate therapy for you.

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Treatment of asthma at Avi Medical

Asthma itself is in most cases not curable, but with advanced forms of treatment it can be possible to significantly limit the disease. With the right treatment, almost 100% performance is possible.
The treatment of asthma is divided into non-drug and drug therapy and can complement each other well.

The goal of non-drug therapy is to control the Illness and achieving freedom from symptoms through good patient training. Those affected learn how allergens or other triggers can be avoided by shielding them and what else can help prevent asthma attacks. Also part of the non-drug treatment are respiratory therapy, physiotherapy and, above all, regular endurance sports, which help to sensitize asthma. One form of treatment for allergic asthma is hyposensitization, in which the patient is given allergens at regular intervals over a period of time with the aim of the body getting used to the allergens and no longer triggering an immune reaction.

For the treatment of asthma with drug therapy  there are various inhaled forms (inhaler) available, which means that the active ingredients are delivered directly to the site of action in a more targeted and higher concentration. the lower respiratory tract. Depending on the severity of the disease, there is a basic and an on-demand therapy, also called Reliever and Controller (Regulator).
Reliever is a spray that is only used for seizure-like symptoms. Therefore, it is usually used as an on-demand therapy for acute use and quick relief of symptoms. Reliever drugs are often administered via inhalers or sprays so that the active ingredient can work directly on the affected area - the lungs. This quickly causes the bronchial muscles to relax and the narrowed bronchi to expand.
Controllers are used for long-term therapy for prophylaxis. Inhaled anti-inflammatory corticosteroids (cortisone) reduce the chronic inflammation of the airways in asthma or dilate the bronchi over several hours. In order for controllers to work properly, taking medication regularly is very important.
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The aim of your asthma therapy at Avi Medical is:

• Freedom from symptoms (longest possible phases without an asthma attack)
• Rare to no worsening episodes
• Undisturbed, restful sleep
• Normal lung function
• As unrestricted as possible performance in everyday life
• Enables sporting confirmation

It is our goal to make you the "manager" of your own illness so that you can continue to enjoy work, everyday life and leisure time without any worries!
Arrange your asthma consultation in one of our Avi Medical GP practices or via video and together we will find the right therapy.