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C

ASTHMA

Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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Who has asthma?

People who suffer from asthma are known as ASTHMATICS

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What is Asthma? Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that make

breathing difficult.

It causes the airway to narrow and become inflamed(swollen).

Asthma is very common worldwide.

In Singapore, 5% of adults and 20% of children suffer fro

Asthma. Anyone can be affected by asthma, however it isnt

contagious.

Asthma is incurable. However, there are medication thhelp to reduce inflammation and open up the airways

an asthma attack.

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What is an Asthma attack?

An Asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthmsymptoms.

It is caused by the tightening of muscles around t

airway.

During an Asthma attack, the lining of the airway

becomes inflamed.

During an Asthma attack, there is thicker mucusproduced. The amount of mucus(or phlegm) pro

is also more than usual.

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What causes an Asthma atta

Allergies (Example: Pollen, dust, foo

animal fur.)

Respiratory infections.

Exercise or strenuous activities.

Cold, dry air.

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What are the symptoms of anAsthma attack?Difficulty breathing.

Shortness of breath.

Rapid breathing.

Wheezing when breathing in and out.

Coughing.Chest pain or pressure.

History of asthma.

Increased breathing rate.

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What is the treatment for an Asthattack?

Most asthmatics carry their medication with them. Medication AKA Inhalers.

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Metered dose Inhalers (MDI)

These are the most common inhalers. The first thing a layperson would think of when

inhaler is mentioned.

Portable, easy to carry around.

The medication is administered through a small

aerosol can equipped with a chemical propellantthat pushes the medication into the lungs.

Sometimes used with a spacer.

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Treatment (with MDI) Keep calm and reassure the casualty. Get them to u

inhaler. Let them adopt a position they find comfortable. Do

the casualty lie down as it can make breathing moredifficult.

Mild attacks should ease within minutes. If not. Ask thcasualty to use the inhaler again.

Call for an ambulance if the attack worsens. Should the casualty lose consciousness, call for an

ambulance and if possible, seek help from a certifiedaider. Stay with the casualty at all times.

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A few slides back, we said MO

asthmatics carry theirmedication with them.

What if they didnt?

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Treatment (Without Inhaler) Call an ambulance or seek medical help especially in the casu

young or elderly. You could let the casualty sip a little bit of drink that contains ca

Caffeine has a chemical structure similar to theophylline, a drugcommon is asthma medication. There might not be enough of counteract an asthma attack in the drink, but it is better than dnothing as it can relieve symptons a little.

Move the casualty away from cold places and anything the ca

might be allergic to. Cold air can trigger attacks, and so can al

If the casualty is at home, and the cause is most likely an allergireaction, let the casualty take some antihistamine (Allergy med

Stay with the casualty at all times.

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Q & A Time! :D

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THANK YOU!