The determination of treatment methods for bronchial asthma depends on the severity of the disease, which is divided into 3 groups.
1. Mild asthma. Exacerbations occur no more than twice a year. Parenteral (subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous) medications are not required for symptom relief; inhalation of certain medications is sufficient. During an exacerbation, short-term breathing difficulties occur no more than twice a week.
In mild asthma, the maximum permissible levels of external respiratory function indicators – fixed expiratory volume in a second (FEV) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) – are at least 80%, with daily variability of up to 20%.
2. Moderate asthma. Exacerbations occur 3-5 times a year, and asthmatic conditions may occur, requiring parenteral medications for relief. During remission, breathing difficulties may occur more than twice a week.
The maximum achievable levels of FEV1 and FEV1 are from 60 to 80%, with daily variability of 20 to 30%.
3. Severe asthma. This disease is characterized by continuously relapsing episodes. During periods of exacerbation, parenteral administration of medications and special therapies are required.
The maximum achievable levels of POS and FEV do not exceed 60%, and daily variability can exceed 30%.
Treatment methods for bronchial asthma depend on the origin and severity of the disease. Anyone experiencing symptoms characteristic of bronchial asthma should not experiment with their health or independently choose treatment methods and medications; these are prescribed only by a doctor.
Treating asthma isn't just a series of medications and physical therapy methods; it's a comprehensive strategy. It's best for patients to be under the constant care of a single physician, visiting them regularly for checkups and consultations, rather than only seeking help during flare-ups. This allows the physician to monitor the patient closely, better understand the disease's progression, and select the most effective treatment options.
It's important to understand that daily treatment will be administered not by a doctor, but by the patient themselves, with the assistance of family and friends. The doctor's job is to select the necessary medications and develop individualized treatment plans for the patient. It's especially important to help both patients and their families understand the causes and nature of the disease, the principles and procedures for its treatment, and how to respond appropriately to any changes in the patient's clinical condition.
Treatment according to a personalized program begins after a definitive diagnosis. It is based on coordinated efforts between the doctor and the patient. First and foremost, the patient must learn to use inhalers with special medications and peak flow meters (portable devices for measuring peak exhalation flow rate). They must also understand the difference between symptomatic medications used during an attack and preventative measures used outside of acute periods. They must also recognize the main signs of worsening symptoms and what changes in treatment should be made when they occur.
It's helpful to keep a patient diary, recording daily how they feel, the medications they're taking, and peak flow meter readings. It's especially important for the patient and their family to consider psychological factors that may interfere with objective disease monitoring. Asthma, like any chronic disease, can have a serious impact on the patient's mental state and lead to neuroses. These neuroses stem from the fear of suffocation and death experienced during asthma attacks. Over time, with repeated attacks and their successful management, the level of fear significantly decreases, but it persists subconsciously. Therefore, it's advisable to include psychotherapy in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
Bronchial asthma is a disease of developed countries. By all accounts, the number of people diagnosed with this condition will continue to increase. However, it's important to remember that, in most cases, a healthy lifestyle and the use of medications prescribed by a doctor allow people with this condition to work actively, play sports, and lead a normal, fulfilling life.