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ASTHMA RELIEF CHARITY |
Registered Charity No:
1063965
Brittle Asthma
General Data on Brittle Asthma
The first mention of Brittle Asthma was made in the late nineteen seventies. It is a type of asthma that is uncommon. It is more common in females than males.
It describes patients who have chaotic patterns of peak flow. This varies at any time of the day or night, even after nebulising such irregularities happen. Sadly a severe attack could end in death.
It is unknown why or how people contract Brittle Asthma, whether it is being exposed to animals/dust mites or whether their problem is with eating food that is harmful to them.
What are the signs of Brittle Asthma?
When a patient is feeling fine
(having nebulised regularly) and suddenly for no apparent reason find
themselves with a sudden attack of severe Asthma which leaves them gasping
for breath.
Where the patient finds their peak flow readings to be irregular.
Brittle Asthma has no respect for age, hitting people as young as 15 years old through to people into their 50's.
Due to the severity of Brittle Asthma and the suddenness of it, sufferers often find themselves being hospitalised on a regular basis.
The medication given to those suffering from Brittle Asthma often has side effects, i.e. weight gain, also disruptive sleep patterns and Esophageal Reflux (This is when products of digestion leak back from the stomach into the food pipe and sometimes into the mouth. This is painful and damages the lining of the Esophagus making it sore).
Food
Some of the foods that people with Brittle Asthma should avoid are: all dairy products, eggs, fish, wheat (in any form), as well as citrus fruits. This allergy varies from person to person.
Animals
Some of the animals that patients should avoid are cats, dogs, horses and dust mites. Of course this can be very distressing for patients with pets.
Patients with Brittle Asthma can be treated with subcutaneous infusion. This is a long-term treatment. Along with this infusion some patients will need to nebulise. This does not cure the problem; it only helps the patient to breathe more easily.
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