1. Asthma is chronic inflammatory disease thatcauses the airways of the lungs to swell & narrow.Many cells &cellular elements play a role.Widespread , variable & often reversible airflowlimitation.

2. Asthma involvesdifficulty in breathingdue to-inflammation-tightening of musclesaround the airways-mucus in the airways 3. Allergens (pollens , mites &molds, animal dander)Respiratory infectionAir pollutionSmoke(Tobacco, sulfur dioxide)Food( egg, wheat , nuts)Occupational sensitizersWeather changesExercise & hyperventilationMedication(aspirin,anti-inflammatorydrugs)Genetic-atopy-airwayGenderObesity 4. CaughShortness of breathWheezing-Comes in episodes with symptom freeMay be worse at night or in early morningMay go away on its ownGets better when using drugs that open theairways(broncodilators)Gets worse with exerciseGets worse with heartburnUsually begins suddenly 5. Bluish color to the lips & faceDecreased level alterness such as drowsiness & confusionExtreme difficulty breathingRapid pulseSweatingSneezy & runny noseItchy & inflamed eyesAbnormal breathing patternBreathing temporarily stopsTightness in the chest 6. Allergy testArterial blood gas testBlood tests to measure eosinophil count &IgEChest X-rayLung function testPeak flow measurements 7. Reduce exposure to indoor allergensAvoid tobacco smokeAvoid vehicle emissionIdentify irritants in the workplace & avoid themInfluenza vaccination should be provided to patientsControl airway swellingControl drugs to prevent attackAvoid sulfite-containing foodsUse only unscented detergents & cleaning materials.Keep the house clean & keep foods in containers.Visit doctor regularly & follow doctors advice.Take medicationLife style change 8. MEDICATIONLeukotriene receptorantagonists:Montelucast(Montene-sq.)Anti-cholinergics:Ipratropium bromidenasal spray(Rynaspray-sq.)H1-antihistamines:Systemic:Cetirizine(Alatrol-sq.),Fexofenadine(Fexo-sq.),Loratidine(Loratin-sq.),Levocetrizine(Curin-Beximco),Desloratidine(Sedno-sq.)Topical:Azelastine spray(Snizex-sq.)Anti-IgECromones 9. Nasal decongestants CorticosteroidsSystemic:PhenylephrinePseudoephedrine(Preecof-Incepta)Topical:Xylometazoline(Antazol-sq.)Oxymetazoline(Nocon-sq.)Hypertonic salineNasal:Beclomethasone(Decomit-Beximco)Budesonide(Aeronoid-Beximco)Fluticasone(Perinase-Beximco)MometasoneInjection:MethylprednisoloneOral:Prednisolone 10. REFERENCE