Asthma belongs to what department?

Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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When we talk about asthma, we generally refer to bronchial asthma, which is a respiratory system disease. Therefore, the primary department to consult is, of course, the Department of Respiratory Medicine.

If an asthma patient's condition is relatively stable, they can see a respiratory specialist through outpatient services. In hospitals without a Department of Respiratory Medicine, such as community health service centers or township health clinics, they can choose to see a general practitioner, also known as an internist.

If an asthma patient suffers an acute attack of bronchial asthma and the condition is critical, they must then visit the Department of Emergency Medicine. The emergency department will decide based on the patient’s condition whether they should be kept for observation in the emergency room, be admitted to the general respiratory department, or be sent to the ICU for further emergency treatment. Additionally, there is another type of asthma known as cardiac asthma, which is a cardiovascular disease. The first choice for these patients is to see a cardiologist, although in severe cases, they should visit the Department of Emergency Medicine.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
2min 1sec home-news-image

How to cure asthma completely

How can asthma be completely cured? First, we need to understand what type of disease asthma is. Currently, most references to asthma pertain to bronchial asthma. Whether allergic, cough variant, or chest tightness variant, so far, no method has been found to completely cure bronchial asthma. It is also predicted that it will be difficult to find a cure for asthma within the next ten or twenty years. Therefore, once diagnosed with bronchial asthma, it is crucial to deeply understand this disease and learn to accept the reality that asthma cannot be completely cured at this point. It is also important to recognize that asthma can be managed. Asthma can only be controlled, not cured. Any advertisement claiming to cure asthma through any means is false and not trustworthy. Moreover, in our practical experience, we often encounter many asthma patients who, through various channels such as search engines, television, newspapers, or magazines, find advertisements for medications claiming to cure asthma. However, in practice, although these patients may find their bronchial asthma symptoms well controlled in the short term after taking these medications, the symptoms of bronchial asthma recur repeatedly after stopping the medication, becoming increasingly difficult to control. Furthermore, some asthma patients who have taken these medications often develop typical drug-induced conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome or drug-induced diabetes. We suspect that these medications likely contain oral steroids. Oral steroids can indeed be used to treat asthma, but their use in the standardized treatment of asthma is governed by very strict guidelines. Therefore, patients with bronchial asthma must not be misled by these false advertisements, otherwise, the consequences could outweigh the benefits.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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How is asthma treated?

Asthma generally requires long-term anti-inflammatory treatment, which primarily involves the use of corticosteroid medications to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, medications that dilate the bronchial tubes can be used to relieve symptoms. For allergic asthma, it is advisable for patients to identify and avoid allergens, while also taking anti-allergy medications to alleviate symptoms. Preventative medication to control attacks is also recommended. Attention should be paid to regulating indoor temperatures to prevent colds, ensuring warmth, and avoiding exposure to cold winds. Furthermore, indoor temperatures in winter should not be too high to avoid large temperature differences with the outside, which can lead to colds and decrease the chances of influenza infection. Additionally, if symptoms of coughing and asthma are severe, medications to stop coughing and relieve asthma should be taken to alleviate symptoms.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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The typical manifestations of asthma

Asthma is quite common in clinical settings. Asthma attacks often occur suddenly when exposed to allergens, during physical activity, emotional excitement, or infections, presenting symptoms such as paroxysmal coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Breathing difficulties often manifest as expiratory difficulties. Symptoms of asthma typically alleviate upon leaving the allergenic environment or after the application of bronchodilators. These are the typical clinical presentations of asthma.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Which is more serious, bronchial asthma or asthma?

Bronchial asthma, commonly referred to as asthma, is generally considered non-comparable as both terms describe the same disease, just with different names. Clinically, asthma often occurs in young infants, and is typically linked to environmental factors and genetic predispositions. Patients with bronchial asthma may exhibit recurring symptoms such as rapid breathing, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath during attacks. It is crucial for such patients to eliminate triggering factors and to receive timely treatment with anti-allergy medications, bronchodilators, and cough suppressants to manage the symptoms. With prompt and effective treatment, the symptoms caused by the disease can be effectively controlled.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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How is asthma treated?

For the treatment of asthma, it is first necessary to determine the cause of the asthma. If it is due to some respiratory diseases, then in this case, it is necessary to take some anti-inflammatory and anti-infective drugs for treatment. Conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, or lung abscess can all cause symptoms of asthma. It is recommended that everyone actively treats the symptoms; controlling the infection is key. Next is symptom management; if there is coughing or phlegm, it is necessary to take some cough suppressant and expectorant medications or combine with asthma-relieving medications to treat and alleviate symptoms. If it is caused by allergies, some anti-allergy medications should be taken, then combined with some cough and asthma-relieving medications for treatment. Drink more water to promote excretion, avoid spicy, greasy, cold, and stimulating foods, and also be sure to maintain a relaxed mood without too much stress. Follow the doctor's guidance actively, cooperate with the doctor in treatment, and refrain from smoking and drinking.