How to manage recurrent asthma episodes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I wanted to discuss my mother’s health. She is 49 years old and usually gets asthmatic symptoms once every three months. She used to cough, wheeze, and feel tired whenever that episode occurred. She is allergic to dust and takes steroids and antihistamines, as advised during those episodes. Still, the symptoms keep recurring.

What can be done?
Is there a specific treatment for uncontrolled asthma?
How to manage these recurrent episodes?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

As per your history, your mother seems to be suffering from bronchial asthma. The key to treating asthma is the use of inhaled medications. For adequate asthma control, appropriate inhalers in the right dose should be used regularly with proper technique.

Investigations to be done on bronchial asthma:

Complete blood count.
Serum total IgE.
Chest X-ray.
Pulmonary function test (spirometry pre and post).

The following advice is to be followed if bronchial asthma is diagnosed:

Start using Formoterol (long-acting beta-agonist) and Budesonide (corticosteroid) combination inhalers by two puffs twice daily with a spacer, followed by mouthwash.
Mac spacer (it is to be attached to the inhaler; the technique of its usage can be learned online).
Consult a pulmonologist either physically or virtually.
Take vaccinations appropriate for the age if not taken already.

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.