Dispneja

Customer question:

What is dyspnea? Anonymous customer's question

Pharmacist's answer:

Dyspnea is a medical term that refers to difficulty breathing, lack of air, or shortness of breath. This condition can occur in various diseases and medical conditions and is often associated with breathing problems or poorer oxygen transfer to the body.

Dyspnea requires attention and evaluation by a physician. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of dyspnea and may include a variety of approaches, including medications, lifestyle changes, and other therapeutic procedures.

What causes dyspnea?

Dyspnea is a symptom of various diseases and conditions, including:

• Lung diseases: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema, pneumonia.
• Heart diseases: heart failure, cardiac ischemia (lack of oxygen in the heart), cardiac arrhythmia.
• Anemia: a reduced number of red blood cells can lead to a lack of oxygen in the body.
• Medical conditions of the chest: pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax (air in the chest cavity), pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs).
• Obesity: being overweight can make breathing difficult.
• Angioedema or allergic reaction: swelling of the face and airways can cause breathing difficulties.

Is dyspnea a long-term or lifelong health condition?

Dyspnea is a symptom that indicates breathing problems, not an independent diagnosis. Whether dyspnea will be a long-term or lifelong condition depends on the underlying cause. Suppose the dyspnoea is due to a chronic disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, or heart failure. In that case, it may last a long time or even a lifetime.

Some diseases that cause dyspnea are chronic and progressive, meaning that they get worse over time, for example, some lung diseases such as COPD. In such cases, the goal of treatment is usually to control symptoms, improve quality of life, and slow down the progression of the disease. In contrast, in other cases, such as acute respiratory infections or allergic reactions, dyspnea may only appear temporarily and disappear after treatment of the underlying cause.

It is essential to understand that treating dyspnea aims to treat the underlying cause, not just the symptoms. Consultation with a doctor who will determine the underlying cause of dyspnea and prescribe appropriate treatment is critical. Also, lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation, physical activity, and dietary adjustments, may help manage dyspnea symptoms.

How is dyspnoea treated?

Treatment for dyspnea depends on the underlying cause causing the symptom. It is essential to see a doctor who will thoroughly evaluate and determine the underlying cause of your breathing problems. It is important to emphasize that treating dyspnea is individualized and adapted to the individual according to the cause, severity, general health, and other factors. Treating dyspnea must be holistic and include cooperation between the patient and the doctor to achieve the best results.

What is the difference between asthma and bronchitis?

Asthma and bronchitis are two lung diseases that have similarities but differ in their causes, symptoms, duration, and treatment. Asthma is a chronic disease that usually lasts a lifetime. Symptoms may occur intermittently and may improve or worsen. Acute bronchitis is usually temporary and can last for several weeks. Chronic bronchitis can be more prolonged and permanent, significantly if it is associated with smoking.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease that affects the airways. The leading cause of asthma is inflammation of the airways and hypersensitivity to certain irritants. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the tubular structures that carry air to the lungs. It can be acute (usually of viral or bacterial origin) or chronic, mainly associated with smoking.

Typical asthma symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and feeling pressure or tightness in the chest. Symptoms can occur with exposure to irritants, physical exertion, or as a response to stress. Bronchitis symptoms include a cough, usually with sputum, shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue, and sometimes fever. With chronic bronchitis, the symptoms last for a long time.

Despite the differences between asthma and bronchitis, some people can experience symptoms of both diseases. The doctor must evaluate adequately to establish the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment of asthma key uses bronchodilators to widen the airways and reduce inflammation with corticosteroids. Identifying and avoiding triggers and educating patients about managing their disease is also essential. Acute bronchitis is often treated symptomatically, with rest, increased fluid intake, and possibly with medications to relieve symptoms. With chronic bronchitis, it is essential to stop smoking and treat the underlying disease that causes it.

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