What worsens seasonal asthma in an 18-year-old female?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

As you already described, you are suffering from bronchial asthma. The key to the treatment of asthma is the use of inhaled medications. For adequate asthma control, appropriate inhalers in the right dose are to be used with the appropriate technique, and they should be used regularly.

Investigations to be done on newly diagnosed or uncontrolled bronchial asthma, if not done previously:

1. Complete blood count.

2. Serum total IgE (immunoglobulin E).

3. Chest X-ray.

4. Pulmonary function test (spirometry pre- and post-bronchodilator).

Causes for repeated exacerbations include:

1. Presence of co-morbid conditions like allergic rhinitis, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and obesity.

2. Incorrect inhaler technique or if the inhaler is not being used regularly.

3. If incorrect inhaled medicines are being used.

The following advice is to be followed:

1. Start regularly using metered-dose inhalers, Budetrol (Formoterol and Budesonide combination) (200/6), and two puffs twice daily with a spacer, followed by mouthwash. Inhalers are to be used daily without any break for at least six months. No dose is to be skipped unless advised by a pulmonologist.

2. A device is to be attached to an inhaler; the technique of its usage can be learned online.

3. Consult a pulmonologist either physically or virtually regularly (at least once monthly).

4. Take vaccinations appropriate for the age if not taken already.

5. Control of co-morbid conditions, if any, like allergic rhinitis, since uncontrolled allergic rhinitis and GERD often exacerbate asthma, leading to poor asthma control.

6. Ensure you have a written asthma action plan that outlines how to manage your symptoms and what to do in an emergency. This can help you feel more in control.

7. Identifying and avoiding triggers (like smoke, pollution, pets, or certain foods) can significantly improve your condition.

8. Some programs offer education and exercises to improve lung function and overall fitness.

9. Regular exercise (as tolerated), maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress can all contribute to better asthma control.

10. Using a peak flow meter to monitor your lung function can help you detect worsening asthma early. There are also smartphone applications that can help track symptoms and medication use.

11. Make sure you have an emergency plan in place, including access to emergency medications and knowing when to seek urgent care.

12. If your asthma is primarily triggered by allergens, allergy shots (immunotherapy) can help desensitize your immune system to specific allergens over time. They are a long-term treatment that can reduce your allergy symptoms (and, by extension, your asthma symptoms) by gradually increasing exposure to small amounts of the allergens that trigger your symptoms.

Typically, allergy shots are administered over the course of several years, but many people experience significant relief after six to twelve months of treatment. If your seasonal asthma is driven by pollen, mold, or other allergens, immunotherapy could be worth considering.

13. If your asthma is more severe and has become difficult to control, there are biologic medications that target specific parts of your immune system involved in asthma. These are typically injected treatments (sometimes every few weeks or monthly) that can help reduce asthma inflammation and prevent flare-ups. These medications are often used for people with moderate to severe asthma that is not controlled well with traditional inhalers and other medications.

Get all the investigations and follow up after one week with the investigations, which will then evaluate if your asthma is controlled or not.

Kindly consult a physician, discuss with them, and start taking the medications with their consent.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you..