The causes of bronchial asthma

Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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The causes of bronchial asthma are actually not very clear at present, but current research shows that bronchial asthma is mainly caused by genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors are relatively easier to understand, meaning if parents have a history of bronchial asthma, then their children, grandchildren, and other blood relatives may have a higher chance of developing bronchial asthma than the general population. Additionally, bronchial asthma is also related to environmental factors, such as air pollution, smoking, dust mites, pollen, etc.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Is bronchial asthma curable?

Bronchial asthma is treatable, although so far we have not found a cure for bronchial asthma, bronchial asthma can be well controlled in most patients if treated in a standard way at regular hospitals, preventing recurrent asthma attacks. However, if the treatment of bronchial asthma is unstandardized, or if one relies on folk remedies or traditional secret recipes and does not receive standardized treatment at a regular hospital, it may lead to recurrent asthma attacks and extremely poor prognosis.

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Written by Hao Ze Rui
Pulmonology
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Is bronchial asthma dangerous?

Whether bronchial asthma is dangerous depends on the severity of the condition during an acute asthma attack. The most common symptoms of asthma are episodic breathing difficulties, chest tightness, or coughing. If the patient experiences only mild breathing difficulties during an acute attack, it may resolve on its own without posing a life-threatening risk. However, if it is a severe asthma attack, such as the patient being unable to speak, experiencing drowsiness, consciousness disorders, even showing paradoxical movement, weakened wheezing sounds, or even an absence of breathing sounds, then there may be a life-threatening risk if immediate and aggressive rescue measures are not taken.

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Written by Wei Shi Liang
Intensive Care Unit
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Causes of Bronchial Asthma

The most common cause of bronchial asthma is inhalants, which are mainly found in daily life, such as dust mites, pollen, fungi, and some irritating and toxic gases, all of which may irritate the airways and cause asthma. Infections are closely related to the occurrence of asthma, and respiratory infections such as viruses, bacteria, and mycoplasma can all trigger asthma. Additionally, certain specific foods, such as fish, shrimp, crab, milk, and eggs, may cause asthma in certain groups of people. Factors such as the patient's mental state, changes in the climate, and intense exercise are also possible causes of bronchial asthma. These are the most common causes of bronchial asthma onset.

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Written by Hao Ze Rui
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of bronchial asthma

The most common symptoms of bronchial asthma are episodic difficulty in breathing, which can also manifest as episodic chest tightness and coughing. During an asthma attack, there will be accompanying wheezing sounds. If the patient is more severe, they may be forced to sit up to breathe during episodes of breathing difficulties, exhibiting orthopneic breathing. Some patients may experience a dry cough or cough up a large amount of white foamy sputum. In severe cases, symptoms of hypoxia such as cyanosis of the lips and nail discoloration can occur. Asthma attacks are generally acute, with symptoms appearing within minutes, but they can also begin more slowly, worsening over several hours or days. Asthma generally relieves itself, or even after relieving, it may recur, typically worsening during the night.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Which department should I go to for bronchial asthma?

In our common areas, we would visit the Department of Respiratory Medicine for conditions such as bronchial asthma, which is a respiratory system disease. The Department of Respiratory Medicine is the most specialized department for treating bronchial asthma. However, in some areas, such as those below the county level like town health centers or community clinics, a respiratory medicine department might not be available. In such cases, we can only visit the general internal medicine department, also known as the major internal medicine department. Generally, bronchial asthma is treated in the outpatient clinics of these departments. However, if an acute attack of bronchial asthma occurs, causing breathing difficulties and a sudden exacerbation of the condition, it then becomes necessary to visit the emergency medicine department. Emergency doctors will handle the situation and then decide whether the patient should continue treatment under observation in the emergency department or need hospitalization, etc.