Asthma is a chronic, non-transmissible disease that affects both children and adults. It occurs when the bronchi, which are the passageways that carry air to the lungs, narrow due to inflammation and compression of the muscles that surround them, causing different symptoms. This time, Dr. Fátima Ortega, pulmonologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, will give us more information.

Causes

Among the triggering causes of asthma, are:

• Genetic factors
• Respiratory infections
• Chemicals in the air or food
• Smoke of the tobacco
• Mites
• Pet fur
• Environmental pollution, among others

Symptoms

The most frequent symptoms are:

• Cough
• Wheezing
• Dyspnea and chest tightness

These symptoms are intermittent and are often aggravated at night or with exercise.

Treatment

The main treatment of asthma is the use of inhaled corticosteroids, which significantly reduce respiratory symptoms and reduce the possibility of crises or serious episodes. At the same time, bronchodilators are used to improve the narrowing of the bronchus; and antiallergic depending on the cause of asthma. However, any treatment to follow must be adjusted to the needs of each patient.

Dr. Fátima Ortega
Pulmonologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma