Overview
Bronchial asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of the airways. The bronchi are persistently inflamed and react with hypersensitivity to certain triggers. Typical features are episodic shortness of breath, a dry cough, tightness in the chest and wheezing, often at night or in the early morning. Between episodes, symptoms may be completely absent. With consistent inhaler therapy, asthma can be well controlled in most people, allowing a largely normal life. For patients whose asthma is stable and well controlled, the video consultation offers a straightforward way to discuss ongoing treatment: after medical assessment, a repeat private prescription for the existing inhaler therapy can be issued. Important to know: the online consultation complements care, but it replaces neither regular check-ups with lung function testing nor the treatment of acute deteriorations. If signs of a severe asthma attack occur, call the emergency number 112 immediately.
Common causes
Asthma arises from an interplay of hereditary predisposition and environmental factors. In allergic asthma, allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, animal dander or mould spores trigger the inflammatory reaction; it often begins in childhood or adolescence and frequently occurs together with hay fever or atopic dermatitis. In non-allergic asthma, other triggers predominate, such as respiratory infections, cold air, physical exertion, tobacco smoke, air pollutants or certain painkillers. Many people have mixed forms in which several triggers play a role. Occupational exposures such as flour dust or chemicals can also cause or worsen asthma. Regardless of the cause, those who know and avoid their personal triggers can often reduce their symptoms considerably. Medical advice helps to narrow down triggers and adjust the therapy accordingly.
When to see a doctor
Call the emergency number 112 immediately if warning signs of a severe asthma attack occur: pronounced shortness of breath at rest, inability to speak in full sentences, bluish discolouration of the lips or fingernails, reliever medication that is not working, or increasing exhaustion up to drowsiness. A prompt medical consultation – in a practice or initially via video consultation – is advisable if you need your reliever medication more often than usual, repeatedly wake at night because of breathlessness or coughing, notice a marked drop in your physical capacity, or your peak-flow readings are falling. If your inhaler is running low, arrange a repeat prescription in good time so that there is no gap in treatment. Unclear breathing complaints without a confirmed diagnosis should be evaluated in a practice with lung function testing.