Management and treatment of acute attacks of mild and moderate Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is a multifactorial condition , the cause in a combination between the environmental cause and the genetic cause , there is a degree of family history found in most of the conditions .

Mild to moderate cases of bronchial asthma can be managed at home with certain tips to give the best results , but the severe cases which is less common must be managed in hospital as it may be life threatening .

Management of mild to moderate cases

In acute attack any asthmatic patient can use the Bronchodilators or the relievers :

1-Short acting B2 agonist as Salbutamol or Terbutaline , they can be used orally or as inhalers for older children through a spacer device  or inhaler , by 2-4 puffs increasing by 2  

2-Anticholinergic as Ipratropium which can be given also through inhalation .

In moderate cases we can use cortisone as prednisone preparation orally as it will serve greatly in treating the inflammation of the airway .

Prognosis : most of the asthmatic children are mild cases or moderate , and the symptoms of the attach is usually mild

Preventive treatment in between the attacks

It is indicated in persistent asthma .

1-Inhaled corticosteroids : it decreases the inflammation of the airways it is usually used in small infrequent doses to decrease the side effects .

2-inhaled long acting B2 agonist as salmetrol it is usually used with corticosteroids in prevention of the asthmatic attacks .

3-Antileukotriens as Montelucast can be used if the above methods failed to control the condition .

4- oral Corticosteroids can be used in calculated doses to control and prevent more severe conditions if the above methods fail .

Prevention of the triggering factor is very important in decreasing the frequency of the attacks and controlling the condition .