Be careful at the turn of summer and autumn

This is the 2665th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

August 7, 2020 The hot summer is coming to an end, and the golden autumn is about to begin. At the turn of summer and autumn, the temperature fluctuates greatly, and the temperature difference between day and night is large, so bronchial asthma becomes a disease that is prone to attacks. Let's take a look at what bronchial asthma is all about!

1. What is bronchial asthma?

Asthma, as commonly referred to by ordinary people, generally refers to bronchial asthma. Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways involving multiple cells and cell components. This chronic inflammation is associated with airway hyperresponsiveness, and usually presents with extensive and variable reversible expiratory airflow limitation, leading to recurrent symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and/or coughing, the intensity of which varies over time. It often occurs and worsens at night and/or early in the morning, and most patients can relieve themselves or with treatment. If bronchial asthma is not diagnosed and treated in time, irreversible airway narrowing and airway remodeling may occur as the course of the disease prolongs.

2. What causes asthma?

Genetic factors and environmental factors are two essential causes of asthma.

1. Genetic factors

Asthma is related to polygenic inheritance. The prevalence of asthma in relatives of asthma patients is higher than the prevalence in the population, and the closer the relationship, the higher the prevalence; the more serious the patient's condition, the higher the prevalence of his relatives.

2. Allergens

(1) Indoor and outdoor allergens Dust mites are the most common and harmful indoor allergens and are an important cause of asthma worldwide. Dust mites exist in secretions such as fur, saliva, urine and feces. Fungi are also one of the allergens present in indoor air, especially in dark, humid and poorly ventilated places.

Common outdoor allergens: Pollen and grass powder are the most common outdoor allergens that cause asthma attacks. Others include various specific and non-specific inhalants such as animal dander, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia.

(2) Occupational allergens Common allergens include grain powder, flour, wood, feed, tea, coffee beans, silkworms, pigeons, mushrooms, antibiotics (penicillin, cephalosporin), rosin, reactive dyes, persulfate, ethylenediamine, etc.

(3) Drugs and foods Aspirin, propranolol (Inderal) and some non-corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs are the main allergens of drug-induced asthma. In addition, fish, shrimp, crab, eggs, milk and other foods can also induce asthma.

3. Precipitating factors

Common air pollution, smoking, respiratory infections such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, parasites, pregnancy, strenuous exercise, climate change, and a variety of non-specific stimuli such as inhalation of cold air, distilled water droplets, etc. can induce asthma attacks. In addition, mental factors can also induce asthma.

3. Manifestations of Asthma

Asthma is mainly manifested by paroxysmal cough, chest tightness, and wheezing. In severe cases, patients are forced to sit or sit upright to breathe, have dry coughs or cough up a lot of white foamy sputum, and even develop cyanosis. Sometimes coughing is the only symptom. Attacks and exacerbations at night and in the early morning are one of the characteristics of asthma.

4. Prevention of asthma

1. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption: The chemicals and smoke in cigarettes can irritate the respiratory tract, so patients should quit smoking. They should also avoid passive smoking and drink less alcohol.

2. Avoid contact with allergens.

3. Prevent respiratory infections: After autumn, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. You should add or remove clothes according to the temperature to prevent catching cold.

4. Keep indoor air circulating and clean: Dust mites and bacteria in the air are the main allergens that cause asthma, so clean frequently to reduce dust in the air.

5. Moderate exercise can improve the body's immunity and resistance.

6. Asthma patients’ bedding and clothing should be washed and changed frequently to keep them clean.

7. Eat more fruits and fresh vegetables, supplement protein appropriately, and avoid eating seafood and other foods that are prone to allergies.

Author: The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University

Written by Yang Ning, an emergency department nurse

The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University

Pei Honghong, chief physician of the emergency department, gave guidance