What position should be adopted for bronchial asthma?

Written by Zeng Xiang Bo
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Updated on January 24, 2025
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The postures of patients with bronchial asthma vary depending on the severity and extent of the attack. For patients with mild symptoms, they can assume any posture they prefer without any impact; they can sleep however they wish. However, during severe asthma attacks, patients are forced to adopt a semi-sitting or upright sitting position to breathe. This isn't a choice, but a necessity when the disease reaches a severe stage, where such positions might slightly ease breathing. Many asthmatic patients cannot lie down at all during serious attacks, as lying down would intensify their chest tightness and breathing difficulties.

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Written by Hao Ze Rui
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of bronchial asthma

The most common symptoms of bronchial asthma are episodic difficulty in breathing, which can also manifest as episodic chest tightness and coughing. During an asthma attack, there will be accompanying wheezing sounds. If the patient is more severe, they may be forced to sit up to breathe during episodes of breathing difficulties, exhibiting orthopneic breathing. Some patients may experience a dry cough or cough up a large amount of white foamy sputum. In severe cases, symptoms of hypoxia such as cyanosis of the lips and nail discoloration can occur. Asthma attacks are generally acute, with symptoms appearing within minutes, but they can also begin more slowly, worsening over several hours or days. Asthma generally relieves itself, or even after relieving, it may recur, typically worsening during the night.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Key points in the treatment of bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma, commonly referred to as asthma, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways involving various granulocytes and cell mediators. This airway inflammation can cause heightened airway reactivity, with patients experiencing episodic wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Symptoms can usually be relieved with or without medication. The key points in the treatment of bronchial asthma include avoiding allergens and ensuring that patients breathe fresh, clean air. Additionally, long-term inhalation of asthma control medications and drugs to reduce airway inflammation is necessary. With these measures, bronchial asthma can be well managed.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Is bronchial asthma contagious?

Is bronchial asthma contagious? Bronchial asthma is not contagious; it is not an infectious disease. The exact causes of bronchial asthma are not very clear, primarily thought to be related to genetic and environmental factors. Bronchial asthma has a close relationship with genetics, meaning that if parents have asthma, their children and grandchildren might also develop bronchial asthma. The closer the familial relationship, the higher the chances of developing bronchial asthma compared to the general population. This genetic pattern can create the illusion to the general public that bronchial asthma is contagious, but it may be more closely related to genetics.

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Written by Wei Shi Liang
Intensive Care Unit
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Prevention and Treatment of Bronchial Asthma

The prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma mainly involve the following aspects: First, eliminating the causes and triggers of the disease; second, preventing diseases and pests such as allergic rhinitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease; third, immunomodulation; fourth, routinely checking if inhaled medications are used correctly; fifth, education and management of asthma patients, mainly allowing them through long-term, appropriate, and sufficient treatment to fully and effectively control asthma attacks. Additionally, understanding individual differences in asthma triggers to avoid occurrences, learning patient self-monitoring of disease progression, mastering the use of inhalers and peak flow meters, and educating patients on simple self-help methods are essential. It's important for patients and doctors to jointly develop a plan to prevent asthma attacks and maintain long-term stability. These are the basic elements of the prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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How to check for bronchial asthma?

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease. Patients primarily exhibit symptoms of episodic wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which usually can be relieved with or without medication. Typically, during an attack, there is wheezing and audible stridor. A diagnosis can usually be made based on symptoms and medical history, as well as physical examination. However, for atypical patients, further tests may be necessary. Generally, the main tests for asthma patients are pulmonary function tests, which include provocation tests and relaxation tests, as well as the 24-hour peak expiratory flow variability. These tests are helpful for the definitive diagnosis of bronchial asthma.