Does bronchial asthma spread?

Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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In some families or among relatives, multiple people may have bronchial asthma. If multiple members suffer from bronchial asthma, is it because they have infected each other? Actually, that's not the case. Bronchial asthma is not contagious. The reason why multiple family members or relatives have bronchial asthma is due to genetics. The closer the familial ties of asthma patients, the higher the incidence of the disease. The more severe the patient's condition, the higher the incidence among their relatives. Therefore, asthma is related to genetics but is not contagious.

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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 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 Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Bronchial asthma X-ray manifestations

Bronchial asthma is primarily caused by inflammation in the airways due to various inflammatory cells, leading to the narrowing and spasm of the bronchi. This impedes the effective expulsion of gases from the lungs through the bronchi, resulting in a disease characterized by symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. In patients with bronchial asthma, because of a large amount of gas remaining in the lungs, X-ray manifestations primarily include sparse lung markings, increased translucency, as well as some signs of widened intercostal spaces and lowered diaphragm. Generally, these signs are not specific and cannot be solely relied upon to diagnose or exclude bronchial asthma. It is also necessary to consider the patient's medical history and lung function tests for a comprehensive assessment.

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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 Zeng Xiang Bo
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
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What position should be adopted for bronchial asthma?

The postures of patients with bronchial asthma vary depending on the severity and extent of the attack. For patients with mild symptoms, they can assume any posture they prefer without any impact; they can sleep however they wish. However, during severe asthma attacks, patients are forced to adopt a semi-sitting or upright sitting position to breathe. This isn't a choice, but a necessity when the disease reaches a severe stage, where such positions might slightly ease breathing. Many asthmatic patients cannot lie down at all during serious attacks, as lying down would intensify their chest tightness and breathing difficulties.