Asthma Treatment in Abu Dhabi, UAE

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the lungs, making breathing difficult. It persists over time and requires ongoing medical care.
In the UAE, asthma impacts 8 to 12 out of every 100 people, including individuals aged 20 to 44. Without proper treatment, asthma can become life-threatening.

Types of Asthma

Types of Asthma by Severity

Asthma can be classified into three main categories based on severity: mild, moderate, and severe.

Here are the specific types:

• Occupational Asthma: This type develops in individuals who are exposed to irritating substances in their workplace.
• Allergic Asthma: Triggered by allergens like mold, pollen, and pet dander.
• Intermittent Asthma: Characterized by episodes of symptoms, allowing individuals to feel normal between flare-ups.
• Persistent Asthma: Symptoms occur frequently, affecting the lungs’ ability to exchange gases, making it harder to eliminate carbon dioxide and take in oxygen.
• Pediatric Asthma: Also known as childhood asthma, this typically begins before the age of 5 and can affect infants and toddlers. Some children may outgrow it, so it’s important to discuss management options with a healthcare provider.
• Exercise-Induced Asthma: Triggered by physical activity, leading to asthma symptoms during or after exercise.

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Causes of Asthma

• Genetics: A family history of asthma or allergic diseases can elevate your risk of developing asthma.
• Allergies: Having allergies can increase your risk of developing asthma.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to irritants in the environment, such as allergens, toxins, fumes, and smoke, can lead to asthma. This is particularly harmful to infants and young children, whose immune systems are still developing.
• Respiratory Infections: Certain respiratory infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), can harm the developing lungs of young children, predisposing them to asthma.

Common Symptoms of Asthma

Common symptoms of asthma include:

• Coughing: Frequent coughing and wheezing, particularly at night or during exercise.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or a feeling of breathlessness.
• Chest Tightness or Pressure: A sensation of tightness or discomfort in the chest.

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When to See a Doctor for Asthma?

You should consider seeking medical help in the following conditions:

Contact Your Doctor:

• If You Think You Have Asthma: If you have frequent coughing or wheezing lasting more than a week, see your doctor as early treatment can prevent long-term lung damage.
• To Monitor Your Asthma: If you’re diagnosed with asthma, work with your doctor to keep it under control. Good management helps you feel better and reduces the risk of serious attacks.
• If Symptoms Worsen: Contact your doctor to say if your medication isn’t helping or if you need your quick-relief inhaler more often.

Emergency Treatment:

Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Signs of an asthma emergency include:

• Rapid escalating worsening of shortness of breath or loud chest wheezing.
• No improvement after using a quick-relief inhaler.
• Shortness of breath with minimal activity.

Asthma Diagnosis

Your pulmonologist will recommend the most appropriate test for you based on your condition: medical history, clinical examination, and the following tests:

• FeNO Test: You breathe into a machine that measures nitric oxide in your breath, which indicates lung inflammation.
• Spirometry: You exhale into a machine that measures how quickly you can breathe out and the volume of air your lungs can hold.
• Peak Flow Test: You blow into a handheld device that assesses how fast you can exhale. This test may be done several times over a few weeks to track changes.

After evaluating the test results, your doctor will develop the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Asthma Treatment

You have several options to help manage your asthma. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to control your symptoms, including one or more of the following:

• Bronchodilators: These medications relax the muscles around your airways, making it easier to breathe and allowing mucus to clear out. They can be used for both intermittent and chronic asthma. There are two forms of bronchodilators, and your pulmonologist will advise you on the best way to take them.
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: These reduce swelling and mucus production in your airways, helping air flow in and out of your lungs. Your provider may prescribe them for daily use to manage chronic asthma symptoms. There are also two forms of these medications, and your pulmonologist will guide you on the best way to take them.
• Biologic Therapies: These are the newest treatments for asthma and are used for severe cases when symptoms continue despite proper inhaler use. Biologic therapies are administered as injections every 2 to 3 weeks, following consultation with your pulmonologist.

Why Choose Asthma Treatment at Reem Hospital, Abu Dhabi?

At Reem Hospital Abu Dhabi, we bring together top experts in asthma treatment and state-of-the-art technology, along with our unique urgent care services. We are available 24/7 to provide immediate asthma attack treatments. Our team is ready to administer the best treatments and ensure you receive the care you deserve.

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