Consequences of worsening bronchial asthma

Written by Xia Bao Jun
Pulmonology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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The consequences of exacerbated bronchial asthma can cause the patient to feel short of breath even at rest, exhibit orthopnea, and be able to speak only in single words or syllables. The patient may experience anxiety or irritability, sometimes accompanied by profuse sweating, and an increased respiratory rate which, if severe, can exceed 30 breaths per minute. There may also be activity of the respiratory muscles and signs of tracheal tugging, an increased heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute, which in severe cases can surpass 120 beats. Additionally, there is a decrease in blood oxygen saturation, which can drop below 60%.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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How to treat bronchial asthma?

After the onset of bronchial asthma, it is necessary to carry out active treatment. In clinical practice, the following categories of bronchodilator drugs are mainly used: The first is adrenergic receptor agonists, such as salbutamol and terbutaline; the second is anticholinergic drugs, mainly tiotropium bromide; the third category is xanthine drugs, which can include aminophylline or doxophylline. Additionally, glucocorticoids can be used for pharmacological treatment. If the patient still has recurrent attacks after systemic treatment, hospitalization is recommended for further management.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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Can people with bronchial asthma eat persimmons?

Patients with bronchial asthma can generally eat persimmons, as bronchial asthma is not a contraindication to eating persimmons. However, it should also be noted that some patients with bronchial asthma may have a highly sensitive constitution and may be allergic to various foods and fruits. For instance, in rare cases, some patients with bronchial asthma may be allergic to persimmons, and eating them can lead to rashes, itchy skin, or even worsen symptoms such as chest tightness. If a patient with bronchial asthma has a confirmed allergy to persimmons, then they should avoid eating them. Additionally, patients with bronchial asthma need to be observant of their condition when eating certain foods, including persimmons. It is important to observe whether the patient develops rashes, itchy skin, chest tightness, or other related symptoms. If such symptoms occur, it suggests an allergic reaction to persimmons, and the patient should stop eating them.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of bronchial asthma cough

Bronchial asthma, commonly referred to as asthma, often results in symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing in patients. However, these symptoms do not always appear simultaneously in an individual. It's possible for a single symptom to serve as the initial manifestation of bronchial asthma. For example, the condition may present solely as wheezing, chest tightness, or, notably, as coughing, where it is the only symptom. The characteristics of asthma-related coughing primarily include a certain rhythmic pattern, typically worsening during early morning or late night, and it can easily lead to coughing up blood. Additionally, the coughing may begin and end abruptly and can be triggered by exposure to cold air or strange smells, followed by spontaneous improvement after a period. These are distinctive features of bronchial asthma coughing.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of bronchial asthma cough

Bronchial asthma can also manifest as a disease primarily characterized by coughing, which we call cough-variant asthma. It does not necessarily exhibit typical symptoms of bronchial asthma such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness; it manifests solely as coughing. This type of cough generally occurs more frequently in the early morning and at night, characterized primarily by a dry cough without mucus. If the coughing is severe, some chest tightness may occur, accompanied by symptoms such as an itchy nose, itchy throat, or the presence of hives, an allergic condition, which is different from ordinary coughs. Therefore, when these characteristics are present, attention should be paid to whether it is combined with bronchial asthma, rather than just a simple cold or bronchitis manifestation.

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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.