Brittle asthma: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
== | | name = Brittle asthma | ||
Brittle asthma is | | image = [[File:Asthma_(Lungs).png|250px]] | ||
| caption = Diagram of the lungs affected by asthma | |||
| field = [[Pulmonology]] | |||
| symptoms = Severe [[asthma]] attacks, [[wheezing]], [[shortness of breath]], [[coughing]] | |||
| complications = [[Respiratory failure]], [[pneumothorax]], [[status asthmaticus]] | |||
| onset = Typically in [[childhood]] or [[adolescence]] | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| types = Type 1 (wide peak flow variability), Type 2 (sudden severe attacks) | |||
| causes = [[Allergens]], [[respiratory infections]], [[exercise]], [[stress]] | |||
| risks = Poorly controlled asthma, [[allergy]], [[smoking]], [[family history]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Spirometry]], [[peak flow monitoring]], [[allergy testing]] | |||
| differential = [[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]], [[vocal cord dysfunction]], [[heart failure]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of triggers, regular use of [[inhaled corticosteroids]] | |||
| treatment = [[Bronchodilators]], [[corticosteroids]], [[biologics]], [[oxygen therapy]] | |||
| medication = [[Salbutamol]], [[prednisone]], [[omalizumab]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable; can be life-threatening if not managed | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A severe form of asthma characterized by sudden and severe attacks}} | |||
[[File:Asthma_(Lungs).png|left|thumb|Diagram of the lungs affected by asthma]] | |||
'''Brittle asthma''' is a rare and severe form of [[asthma]] that is characterized by sudden and severe attacks that can be life-threatening. It is distinguished from other forms of asthma by its unpredictability and the difficulty in controlling symptoms with standard treatments. | |||
==Types== | |||
Brittle asthma is classified into two types: | |||
===Type 1 Brittle Asthma=== | |||
Type 1 brittle asthma is characterized by a wide variation in peak expiratory flow (PEF) despite intense medical therapy. Patients with this type experience frequent and severe asthma attacks that can occur suddenly and without warning. | |||
===Type 2 Brittle Asthma=== | |||
Type 2 brittle asthma involves sudden, severe attacks on a background of otherwise well-controlled asthma. These attacks can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. | |||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The symptoms of brittle asthma are similar to those of other forms of asthma but are more severe and unpredictable. They include: | |||
* | * Severe [[dyspnea]] (shortness of breath) | ||
* [[Wheezing]] | |||
* Wheezing | * [[Coughing]] | ||
* Chest tightness | * Chest tightness | ||
* | * Rapid deterioration of lung function | ||
==Causes== | |||
The exact cause of brittle asthma is not well understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Triggers can include: | |||
* [[Allergens]] | |||
* [[Infections]] | |||
* [[Stress]] | |||
* [[Exercise]] | |||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of brittle asthma involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and lung function tests. | Diagnosis of brittle asthma involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and lung function tests. It is important to distinguish brittle asthma from other forms of severe asthma to tailor appropriate treatment strategies. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment of brittle asthma is challenging and requires a | Treatment of brittle asthma is challenging and often requires a multidisciplinary approach. It may include: | ||
* High-dose inhaled corticosteroids | * High-dose [[inhaled corticosteroids]] | ||
* | * [[Oral corticosteroids]] | ||
* [[Bronchodilators]] | |||
* | * [[Biologic therapies]] | ||
* | * [[Oxygen therapy]] | ||
* | * [[Hospitalization]] during severe attacks | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for individuals with brittle asthma varies. With | The prognosis for individuals with brittle asthma varies. With appropriate management, some patients can achieve better control of their symptoms, but the condition can be life-threatening if not properly managed. | ||
==Prevention== | |||
==See | Preventive measures for brittle asthma focus on avoiding known triggers and adhering to prescribed treatment plans. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is essential to monitor and adjust treatment as needed. | ||
==See also== | |||
* [[Asthma]] | * [[Asthma]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Respiratory therapy]] | ||
[[Category:Asthma]] | [[Category:Asthma]] | ||
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | [[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:57, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Brittle asthma | |
|---|---|
.png)
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Severe asthma attacks, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing |
| Complications | Respiratory failure, pneumothorax, status asthmaticus |
| Onset | Typically in childhood or adolescence |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | Type 1 (wide peak flow variability), Type 2 (sudden severe attacks) |
| Causes | Allergens, respiratory infections, exercise, stress |
| Risks | Poorly controlled asthma, allergy, smoking, family history |
| Diagnosis | Spirometry, peak flow monitoring, allergy testing |
| Differential diagnosis | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, vocal cord dysfunction, heart failure |
| Prevention | Avoidance of triggers, regular use of inhaled corticosteroids |
| Treatment | Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, biologics, oxygen therapy |
| Medication | Salbutamol, prednisone, omalizumab |
| Prognosis | Variable; can be life-threatening if not managed |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
A severe form of asthma characterized by sudden and severe attacks
Brittle asthma is a rare and severe form of asthma that is characterized by sudden and severe attacks that can be life-threatening. It is distinguished from other forms of asthma by its unpredictability and the difficulty in controlling symptoms with standard treatments.
Types[edit]
Brittle asthma is classified into two types:
Type 1 Brittle Asthma[edit]
Type 1 brittle asthma is characterized by a wide variation in peak expiratory flow (PEF) despite intense medical therapy. Patients with this type experience frequent and severe asthma attacks that can occur suddenly and without warning.
Type 2 Brittle Asthma[edit]
Type 2 brittle asthma involves sudden, severe attacks on a background of otherwise well-controlled asthma. These attacks can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of brittle asthma are similar to those of other forms of asthma but are more severe and unpredictable. They include:
- Severe dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Rapid deterioration of lung function
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of brittle asthma is not well understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Triggers can include:
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of brittle asthma involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and lung function tests. It is important to distinguish brittle asthma from other forms of severe asthma to tailor appropriate treatment strategies.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of brittle asthma is challenging and often requires a multidisciplinary approach. It may include:
- High-dose inhaled corticosteroids
- Oral corticosteroids
- Bronchodilators
- Biologic therapies
- Oxygen therapy
- Hospitalization during severe attacks
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with brittle asthma varies. With appropriate management, some patients can achieve better control of their symptoms, but the condition can be life-threatening if not properly managed.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures for brittle asthma focus on avoiding known triggers and adhering to prescribed treatment plans. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is essential to monitor and adjust treatment as needed.
