Asthma bronchiale

What is Asthma bronchiale?

Asthma bronchiale – or simply asthma – is the name for a condition where the lungs (bronchial tubes) become inflamed and constricted, and describes a chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract. Some common symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing or a rattling noise when exhaling, a dry “throat-clearing” cough and a tight feeling in the chest. These symptoms often worsen during sleep. An asthma attack is an acute worsening of these symptoms and in severe cases, an attack can be life-threatening. The onset is often sudden and without forewarning. An estimated 7% of the world’s population suffers from asthma. Asthma bronchiale is usually divided into two categories and most patients suffer from a combination of both types.

1) Allergic asthma (extrinsic):

This type of asthma is the result of an allergic reaction to environmental triggers, such as house dust mites, pollen and mold. Allergic asthma mostly afflicts children.

2) Non-allergic asthma (intrinsic):

This type of asthma is usually caused by a previous infection of the respiratory tract. The infection damages the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes. This damage causes the tubes to be overly sensitive to environmental triggers, such as cold air, cigarette smoke and pollution. This type of asthma mostly affects adults over the age of 40.

What is the cause of asthma bronchiale?

Asthma bronchiale is the inflammation of the respiratory tract. This means that the bronchial mucous membranes become inflamed and swollen. The bronchial muscles cramp and the mucous membranes produce too much mucus which blocks the airways. As a result, the diameter of the bronchial tubes decreases and breathing becomes difficult.
The onset of an asthma attack is unpredictable and can occur at any time, especially if exposed to allergen and environmental triggers. The cause of asthma is still unknown and it cannot be cured.

How does asthma bronchiale progress?

The progression of asthma varies from patient to patient. Half of all adults diagnosed with asthma in childhood have reported a cessation of their asthmatic symptoms and no longer require treatment. However, asthma may return at any time. Those diagnosed with asthma at a more advanced age tend to develop long-term, chronic symptoms. All asthma sufferers need to undergo proper treatment so as to avoid irreversible lung damage.

How to treat asthma bronchiale properly?

Because the cause of asthma is not known, a cure has not yet been found. Thus, finding the proper treatment is vitally important. Symptomatic therapies have achieved good results in some patients. With the help of medication, breathing techniques and avoiding asthma triggers, symptomatic treatments can help to ensure longer symptom-free periods.