What will happen if bronchial asthma is not treated?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on February 15, 2025
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Bronchial asthma is a very common type of asthma in clinical settings, triggered by numerous and complex factors. Generally, patients with this condition often experience frequent recurrent attacks into asthmatic states. Since there is no specific cure for this type of asthma in clinical settings, symptom relief through medication is used to improve the quality of life of patients. Therefore, it is usual in clinical practice to provide symptomatic treatment promptly once bronchial asthma is diagnosed. If bronchial asthma is left untreated, it may pose significant health risks. During an asthma attack, patients may experience varying degrees of shortness of breath, chest tightness, or even difficulty breathing. If the respiratory distress caused by an asthma attack is not relieved in time, it could lead to complications such as hypoxemia or even respiratory failure in some cases.

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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.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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Can people with bronchial asthma eat oranges?

People with bronchial asthma can eat oranges, as oranges contain a rich amount of vitamins which can help with some inflammations and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. This can alleviate some symptoms of bronchial asthma and play a role in adjunctive therapy. However, patients with bronchial asthma need to follow the guidance of a doctor, take the corresponding anti-inflammatory and anti-infection medications, and use medications to stabilize asthma. They should also rest adequately and avoid excessive fatigue. Furthermore, they can engage in moderate, soothing aerobic exercises and avoid excessive physical activity to prevent worsening their condition. It is also recommended to avoid staying up late to ensure sufficient sleep and improve resistance, helping the disease to recover more quickly.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Does bronchial asthma spread?

In some families or among relatives, multiple people may have bronchial asthma. If multiple members suffer from bronchial asthma, is it because they have infected each other? Actually, that's not the case. Bronchial asthma is not contagious. The reason why multiple family members or relatives have bronchial asthma is due to genetics. The closer the familial ties of asthma patients, the higher the incidence of the disease. The more severe the patient's condition, the higher the incidence among their relatives. Therefore, asthma is related to genetics but is not contagious.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Which department should I go to for bronchial asthma?

In our common areas, we would visit the Department of Respiratory Medicine for conditions such as bronchial asthma, which is a respiratory system disease. The Department of Respiratory Medicine is the most specialized department for treating bronchial asthma. However, in some areas, such as those below the county level like town health centers or community clinics, a respiratory medicine department might not be available. In such cases, we can only visit the general internal medicine department, also known as the major internal medicine department. Generally, bronchial asthma is treated in the outpatient clinics of these departments. However, if an acute attack of bronchial asthma occurs, causing breathing difficulties and a sudden exacerbation of the condition, it then becomes necessary to visit the emergency medicine department. Emergency doctors will handle the situation and then decide whether the patient should continue treatment under observation in the emergency department or need hospitalization, etc.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Bronchial asthma needs attention

In clinical settings, bronchial asthma is mostly allergic asthma. Therefore, in terms of diet, attention should be paid to avoiding foods like fish, shrimp, chili peppers, and other foods that are likely to trigger allergies. Instead, consume more bland, soft, and easily digestible foods. Regular physical exercise should also be performed, especially outdoor aerobic and endurance exercises, to enhance the body's immune capabilities. Furthermore, during the flu season or the pollen-heavy spring season, going outdoors should be avoided to prevent triggering asthma attacks. It is advisable to check for allergies to specific substances and avoid contact with them thereafter.