Asthma
It is an allergic condition characterized by attacks of difficult breathing. It often begins in childhood and may last throughout life. It tends to occur in families. It tends to be worse at night and during winter. An acute attack may be caused by eating or breathing things to which the person is allergic. There is a spasm of the windpipe and its branches, so that breathing becomes difficult.
The condition is diagnosed by the following features.
- The patient is breathless.
- A wheezing sound is heard during his breathing.\
- He cannot get enough air. So his nails and lips may turn blue.
- The neck veins may8 be distended.
First aid
- Reassure the patient
- Ask him to take his usual medication, which may be in the form of an inhalation spray or tablets.
- Make him sit at a place that is warm and airy.
- Steam inhalation may also help.
- Shift him to a hospital immediately if there is no response to the treatment given.
