Asthma
Introduction Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways with bronchial hyperresponsiveness producing symptoms related to limited airflow that can be reversed . Respiratory symptoms (e.g. wheeze, shortness of breath, cough , chest tightness) vary over time and vary in intensity, together with variable expiratory airflow. However, airflow limitation may later become persistent due to structural remodelling. The diagnosis of allergic asthma is more likely when the person also has allergy and a family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis or eczema . Lung function is most reliably assessed by spirometry testing, with assessment of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) and the ratio of FEV 1 to forced vital capacity (FEV 1 /FVC). Management The long-term goals of asthma management are Good long-term symptom control (few/no asthma symptoms, no sleep disturbance due to asthma, and unimpaired physical activity), and Minimizing long-term risk of asthma related mortali...