What is asthma, symptoms of asthma, Causes of asthma

Introduction

Asthma is a common long-term condition that can cause a cough, wheezing and breathlessness. The severity of the symptoms varies from person to person. Asthma can be controlled well in most people most of the time.

What is asthma?

Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways. These are the small tubes, called bronchi, which carry air in and out of the lungs. If you have asthma, the bronchi will be inflamed and more sensitive than normal.

When you come into contact with something that irritates your lungs, known as a trigger (see below), your airways become narrow, the muscles around them tighten and there is an increase in the production of sticky mucus (phlegm). This leads to symptoms including:

• difficulty breathing
• wheezing and coughing
• a tight chest

More about the symptoms of asthma

The symptoms of asthma can range from mild to severe. Most people will only experience occasional symptoms, although a few people will have problems most of the time.

The main symptoms of asthma are:

• wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
• shortness of breath
• a tight chest – which may feel like a band is tightening around it 
• coughing

These symptoms are often worst at night and early in the morning, particularly if the condition is not well controlled. They may also develop or become worse in response to a certain trigger, such as exercise or exposure to an allergen. Read our page on the causes of asthma for more information about potential triggers.

Speak to your GP if you think you or your child may have asthma. You should also talk to your doctor or asthma nurse if you have been diagnosed with asthma and you are finding it difficult to control the symptoms.

Causes of asthma

It's not clear exactly what causes asthma, although it is likely to be a combination of factors.

Some of these may be genetic. However, a number of environmental factors are thought to play a role in the development of asthma – these include air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools and modern hygiene standards (known as the "hygiene hypothesis").

There is currently not enough evidence to be certain whether any of these can cause asthma, although a variety of environmental irritants such as dust, cold air and smoke may make it worse.

Who is at risk?

Although the cause of asthma is unknown, a number of things that can increase your chances of developing the condition have been identified. These include:

• having a family history of asthma or other related allergic conditions (known as atopic conditions) – such as eczema, food allergy or hay fever
• having another atopic condition yourself
• having bronchiolitis (a common childhood lung infection) as a child
• being exposed to tobacco smoke as a child – particularly if your mother also smoked during pregnancy 
• being born prematurely – especially if you needed a ventilator to support your breathing after birth

having a low birth weight as a result of restricted growth within the womb

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Sodium Lactate USP 0.32 g, Sodium Chloride BP 0.60 g, Potassium Chloride BP 0.04 g, Calcium Chloride BP 0.027 g

Sodium Lactate USP 0.32 g, Sodium Chloride BP 0.60 g, Potassium Chloride BP 0.04 g, Calcium Chloride BP 0.027 g

Composition :

Each 100 ml of solution contains Sodium Lactate USP 0.32 g, Sodium Chloride BP 0.60 g, Potassium Chloride BP 0.04 g, Calcium Chloride BP 0.027 g.

Description :

Hartmann’s Solution is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, multiple electrolyte solution, which is isotonic to blood plasma. It corrects metabolic acidosis and normalizes the electrolyte and fluid balance of the body. Hartmann’s Solution contains bicarbonate ions, which are present in solution as lactate. Sodium lactate of the solution is converted in the liver into bicarbonate, which in turn involve in neutralizing acidity of blood. Hartmann’s Solution is adequate to prevent drop in blood pressure and possibly shock in the following conditions.

Indications :

• Surgery • Burn • Bleeding • Shock • Enteric Fever • Cardiac weakness • Uremia • Colitis • Dehydration • Peptic Ulcer • Hemorrhagic Viral fever.

Dosage and Administration :

Hartmann’s Solution can be administered in adults at the rate of 50 to 70 drops per minute intravenously or as advised by the physician.

Side effects :

Thrombosis of the chosen vein is always a possibility with intravenous infusion, if infusion is protracted then another vein should be selected after 12–24 hours.

Contra-indications :

• Alkalosis • Hypoglycemia • Impaired renal function • Heart failure.

Precaution :

Not to be used if any turbidity observed in the solution or any leakage in the bottle.

Presentation :

Hartmann’s Solution is available in 500 ml & 1000 ml polyethylene bottle.

Storage :

Store at controlled room temperature in dry place. Keep out of the reach of children.

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Glycine BP 1.5 g

Glycine BP 1.5 g

Composition :

Each 100 ml of solution contains Glycine BP 1.5 g.

Description :

Glycine Irrigating Solution is a sterile, non-conducting fluid used to irrigate body cavities during electrosurgical procedures and internal examinations employing fiber optic instruments.

Indications :

• Endoscopic operations in the genitourinary tract • Transurethral resection of prostate • Stone crash.

Dosage and Administration :

Volume of Glycine Irrigating Solution to be used depends on the type and duration of operation or as directed by the physician.

Side effects :

Drowsiness or lack of energy, Nausea and vomiting, fast heart beat, itchy skin rash.

Contra-indications :

Glycine Irrigating Solution is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its contents and those who are anuric.

Precaution :

Not to be used if any turbidity is observed in the solution or any leakage in the bottle.

Presentation :

Glycine Irrigating Solution is supplied in 1000 ml polyethylene bottle.

Storage :

Store at controlled room temperature in dry place. Keep out of the reach of children.

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Dextrose Anhydrous 5 g as Dextrose Monohydrate USP, Sodium Chloride BP 0.9 g

Dextrose Anhydrous 5 g as Dextrose Monohydrate USP, Sodium Chloride BP 0.9 g

Composition :

Each 100 ml of solution contains Dextrose Anhydrous 5 g as Dextrose Monohydrate USP, Sodium Chloride BP 0.9 g.

Description :

Dextrose 5% and Sodium Chloride 0.9% injection is a sterile, non-pyrogenic and hypertonic solution. It is the source of calorie as well as electrolyte. Administration of Dextrose 5% and Sodium Chloride 0.9% injection provide water, electrolyte and calorie, which decrease protein losses, prevent ketosis of the body and promote glycogen deposition.

Indications :

• General weakness • Excessive Vomiting • When water loss is exceeding the electrolyte loss • Renal function test in case of anuria and oliguria • During early and mild phases of fever • Postsurgical maintenance of calorie, fluid and electrolyte.

Dosage and Administration :

Dextrose 5% and Sodium Chloride 0.9% injection can be administered at the rate of 40 to 90 drops per minute intravenously or as directed by the physician.

Side effects :

Thrombosis of the chosen vein is always a possibility with intravenous infusion, if infusion is protracted then another vein should be selected after 12–24 hours.

Precaution :

Not to be used if any turbidity is observed in the solution or any leakage in the bottle.

Presentation :

Dextrose 5% & Sodium Chloride 0.9% is available in 500 ml & 1000 ml polyethylene bottle.

Storage :

Store at controlled room temperature in dry place. Keep out of the reach of children.

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Sodium Acetate Trihydrate BP 0.65 g, Sodium Chloride BP 0.5 g, Potassium Chloride BP 0.1 g that is Cholera Saline

Sodium Acetate Trihydrate BP 0.65 g, Sodium Chloride BP 0.5 g, Potassium Chloride BP 0.1 g that is Cholera Saline

Composition :

Each 100 ml of solution contains Sodium Acetate Trihydrate BP 0.65 g, Sodium Chloride BP 0.5 g, Potassium Chloride BP 0.1 g.

Description :

Cholera Saline is for replacement of fluid and electrolyte losses. Dehydration, Electrolyte losses, hypovolemic shock, acidosis and renal failure are the consequence of persistent vomiting or high rate of stool loss. Intravenous replacement of water and electrolyte are essential to prevent above common phenomena.

Indications :

• Cholera • Diarrhea • Persistent Vomiting.

Dosage and Administration :

In case of severe Diarrhea: Cholera Saline should be given rapidly until the patient’s blood pressure becomes normal. Initially infuse 2000 ml in first 30 minutes then 2000 ml every two hours until the patient is re-hydrated. In case of mild to moderate Diarrhea: 100 ml/Kg of body weight within the first 4 Hours of therapy. If the patient’s condition improves, the infusion can be slowed.

Side effects :

Thrombosis of the chosen vein is always a possibility with intravenous infusion, if infusion is protracted then another vein should be selected after 12–24 hours.

Precaution :

Not to be used if any turbidity observed in the solution or any leakage in the bottle.

Contra-indications :

• Alkalosis • Hypoglycemia • Heart failure • Impaired renal function.

Presentation :

Cholera Saline is available in 500 ml & 1000 ml polyethylene bottle.

Storage :

Store at controlled room temperature in dry place. Keep out of the reach of children.

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