U.S. researchers are using genetics to explain why some asthma sufferers do not respond well to steroid inhalers, the most common form of asthma treatment. Over-the-counter inhalers that use CFCs have also been banned. Here are some facts about asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and their treatment.
* More than 22 million Americans and 300 million people worldwide have asthma. Seven million (9.4 percent) of all children have asthma. Asthma is the no. 1 most common chronic childhood illness. An average of 3,447 people die from asthmatic conditions annually.
* Asthma and COPD: Symptoms are similar for both conditions. They include swollen bronchial tubes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing. In both conditions, bronchodilators and steroid inhalers are used to reduce swelling and control symptoms.
* Differences between asthma and COPD: Though related in effect, the two conditions differ in etiology and age of onset. Asthma typically shows up in childhood or adolescence, while COPD usually occurs in adulthood. Triggers are different, too. Asthma flare-ups are caused by breathing cold air, allergens, exercise and stress. COPD, as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is usually caused by smoking, or working in environments with chemical fumes or poor ventilation. Nonsmokers who lack the Alpha-1 antitrypsin protein can also develop emphysema.
* Long-term concerns: COPD is characterized by frequent debilitating bronchial infections. It is only partially reversible with treatment and smoking cessation. Asthma, can be maintained successful with proper treatment. Asthma has a much better prognosis than COPD.
* Treatment approaches: COPD is sometimes wrongly diagnosed as asthma. Although the conditions and treatments are similar, they should not be confused. Asthma sufferers tend to respond better to inhaled corticosteroids, like Advair and Pulmicort. A bronchodilator is used only in cases where a steroid inhaler isn't enough. The opposite is true for COPD. A bronchiodilator is the first line of defense, with steroids added if needed.
* Asthma gene research: Findings show that patients with two inherited copies of a variant GLCC1 gene tend not to respond to traditional steroid inhaler treatment. This affects 40 percent of asthma sufferers. It points the way to more personalized treatment options in managing symptoms.
* OTC inhalers: Some asthma and COPD sufferers use over-the-counter epinephrine inhalers, such as Primatene Mist to manage breathing problems. After Dec. 31, those will no longer be available. The FDA began phasing out CFC-containing OTC inhalers in compliance with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Asthma and COPD patients will now have to obtain a prescription inhaler.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes from 23 years parenting four children and 25 years teaching K-8, special needs, adult education and home-school.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of obstructive lung disease. It’s a long-term lung disease that refers to both chronic bronchitis. The main symptoms include shortness of breath and cough with sputum production. People who have this disease need to take consultant for copd treatment
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