Asthma is a frequent disease since it concerns more than 4 million French people. This chronic inflammation of the bronchi (which can be observed in children, adolescents or adults) is not trivial since it is responsible for 60,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths per year in France. .
Asthma appears as a result of both a genetic predisposition and hyper-sensitivity to certain environmental factors – allergens, tobacco smoke, air pollution, etc.
A chronic disease that evolves by crises
This pathology evolves by attacks: these are manifested by breathing difficulties (with “whistling” breathing) linked to a reduction in the diameter of the bronchi which causes a much more difficult flow of air. Asthma attacks can also cause a feeling of tightness in the chest, or even coughing.
Unfortunately, asthma cannot be cured: it is a chronic disease. However, as Inserm explains, 95% of cases are well controlled, in particular thanks to the combination of background treatments (intended to limit inflammation and reduce it as much as possible) and crisis treatments (which allow to open the bronchi).
As for the more innovative treatments, we can notably mention immunotherapy (which is based on the injection of immunoglobulins) or even etiological treatments (based on the types of asthma).
Thanks to Dr. Maxime Hosotte, allergist doctor at the polyclinic of Gentilly (Nancy – ELSAN group).
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