Asthma problem
Professor of Medicine,
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA
Q: I am suffering from respiratory problem (with wheezing) for the last 15 years. I can't sleep whenever I have the problem. My body sweats even in winter, can't even sit sometimes and have spent many sleepless nights. I cannot take sufficient food as immediately after having food , my conditions worsens. I suffer from this problem only during the winters especially during the nights. The doctor told me, that I have bronchial asthma. Can I be cured?
A:Asthma that starts in early adolescence has a variable prognosis, and in some cases it will never clean up or become cured. Thus, it may be necessary to accept that daily treatment for several years may be needed, and that less frequent treatment may be consistently required ever after. In this respect, asthma can be similar to diabetes: avoiding "bad" things is important, but daily treatment may be essential, and exacerbations can be expected.The association of asthma with vomiting suggest that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is involved. When the stomach is full, or irritants are eaten, or when one lies down, food comes back out of the stomach towards the mouth. This can result in a reflex asthma attack. preventive measures include small meals at night, avoiding irritants or gassy drinks, and sleeping propped up on several pillows. Various drugs are available to treat GERD, such as Ranitidine.Other exacerbating factors for asthma may be considered: sinusitis,respiratory infections (colds), cold air, dusts, cats or other animals, inhaled fumes or pollutants, and a large number of allergens such as pollens, foods, and even medications.New drugs for asthma are now available, including pills that inhibit the leukokinesis - chemicals released in the body that affect the lungs to cause asthma. However, medicine that is chosen is less important than the needfor persistence in using any medicine on a regular routine basis. Only after many months or even one to years of good control of asthma should one experiment in reducing drug dosing or on stopping the use of a medication.