Do you know about screening for asthma and COPD?
Due to the unhealthy lifestyle and exposure to many pollutants, the incidence of asthma and COPD in our country is increasing. The screening of asthma and COPD will help the operator to prevent and detect the disease early to have appropriate corrective measures.
8/1/2018 2:09:10 PM
1. Overview of asthma and COPD
Hen and COPD is two disease with the current expression is quite similar
Asthma and COPD are obstructive patients, with a fairly high global number of people. Despite its relative manifestations, asthma is not COPD and vice versa. The following comparison table will help users easily read and distinguish two diseases.
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Asthma |
COPD |
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Definition |
Asthma (Asthma) is a chronic respiratory disease that causes difficulty breathing. |
COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Category |
- Asthma allergies. - Exercise asthma. - Asthma cough. - Occupational asthma. - Asthma at night. |
- Chronic bronchitis. - Emphysema. |
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Symptom |
- Cough, especially at night. - Wheezing. - Shortness of breath. - Angina, pain or pressure. |
- Chronic prolonged cough. - Cough up a lot of mucus. - Difficulty breathing, especially when physically active. - Wheezing. - Chest pain. |
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Cause |
- Allergies: pollen, food, dust, ... - Exercising the wrong way. - Severe heartburn. - Hypersensitivity to drugs containing:
- Stimulants: tobacco smoke, smoke from burning wood or a fireplace, perfume smell, ... - Weather. - Stress. |
- Smoking cigarettes (including both active and passive). - Exposure to dust, air pollution, or certain chemicals for a long time. - Genetics: Lack of protein alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT). |
For the treatment of asthma and COPD, patients are often prescribed bronchodilators and make lifestyle changes. However, up to now, both of these diseases have not been completely cured. These treatments only partially remedy the consequences of asthma and COPD. Therefore, screening for asthma and COPD is recommended by many countries, including developed ones, to reduce the economic burden caused by asthma and COPD.
2. Why need asthma and COPD screening
2.1. Limit the risk of death from asthma and COPD:
Most people are quite subjective when they themselves have respiratory diseases. However, the reality of respiratory diseases in general is quite complicated. According to the World Health Organization - WHO, today there are more than 300 million people in the world with COPD and asthma. Besides, more than 3 million people die each year from these two diseases. In particular, according to WHO, COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in the world after coronary artery disease, stroke and lower respiratory tract infection.
2.2. Minimize time and cost when treating diseases
In Vietnam, the incidence of COPD and asthma is increasing. It is estimated that more than 4.2% of the population is infected but has not been detected.
With the dangerous complications caused by asthma and COPD, the national target program on the prevention and control of COPD and bronchial asthma was approved by the Prime Minister in 2010. Therefore, everyone should proactively perform asthma and COPD screening to save money and time in the long run.
2.3. Prevent or minimize the discomfort caused by diseases
Despite its mild severity, asthma and COPD still cause many troubles in everyday life for patients. Due to frequent shortness of breath, people with the disease are very limited in movement, which leads to weakness, often dependent on drugs and many other negative consequences.
Asthma and COPD make the patient very dependent on the drug
2.3. Make healthier and more positive lifestyle changes
Everyone is at risk for asthma and COPD, regardless of gender, country, work environment, ... In fact, the factors that cause these two diseases can be lurking around us. Through screening results for asthma and COPD, the operator will know if he is in a risk group or not. In addition, doctors give advice, advice on diet, rest, sports, ... to minimize the possibility of disease.
3. What to do when screening for asthma and COPD
3.1. Clinical examination
Physical examination is the first and essential step in screening for asthma and COPD. When screening for these two lung conditions, the doctor will order tests of a respiratory specialist. Through the results, the doctor will have an overview of the state of the exam's respiratory system, thereby performing the next tests more accurately.
At this stage, if there have been any questionable symptoms in recent days, the operator should actively consult with a doctor. These signs have a great impact in quickly finding out the pathogen (if any) in the person performing.
3.2. Image analysation
Chest X-ray:
A lung X-ray is used to determine if the airways are blocked. At the same time, this test also helps rule out other causes that resemble asthma and COPD such as heart failure, lung cancer, tuberculosis, ...
When taking a chest X-ray, the operator should be careful not to wear clothes with metal buttons, or wear metal jewelry to avoid confusion and inserting pictures.
Respiratory measurement with drug test:
A pulmonogram is a test that shows how well the screening person's lungs are working. This test usually takes about 10 minutes. The steps are as follows:
- At first, the operator must take a deep breath and forcefully blow into the ventilator of the respiratory tractors. In this step, the performer does not need to use drugs.
- Next, the operator will repeat the test after testing the drug. The doctor will check to see if the person's breathing improves after trying the drug.
Results: If the operator's breathing improved after trying the drug, he or she might have asthma or COPD.
Respiration measures the amount of air in the lungs and the maximum rate of expiration of the operator
Note:
Stop smoking for 1 hour before taking a pneumococcal measurement.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to ensure easy breathing.
3.3. Get a blood count test
When the blood count is tested, the doctor will take a few milliliters of blood directly from the person's vein (usually near the elbow) through a needle. The blood sample will be taken to check the person's immunoglobulin concentration. If globulin is found to increase, the risk of having asthma or COPD is very high.
4. Where to screen for asthma and COPD in HCMC?
CarePlus is an international clinic system operated by CityClinic Vietnam Company Limited and a member of Singapore Medical Group (SMG). The system of international clinics currently has 2 clinics in the city area. HCM at the addresses:
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Tan Binh Clinic: 107 Tan Hai, Ward 13, Tan Binh District, HCMC
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District 7 Clinic: 2nd Floor, Crescent Plaza, 105 Ton Dat Tien, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, City. HCM City
Work time:
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Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 20:00
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Saturday: 8:00 - 17:00
Tests at CarePlus help to detect early signs of asthma and COPD
The Asthma and COPD screening package at CarePlus is designed based on real-world tests. Especially here, experienced doctors, trained according to foreign standards will provide you with practical advice to prevent asthma, COPD as well as other respiratory diseases.
For details on asthma and COPD screening, please visit AT PHARMACEUTICALS.
Asthma and COPD are both chronic respiratory diseases. Not only do they interfere with daily life, these diseases can also be potentially life-threatening if they are not treated promptly. To prevent and have the best treatment, people should proactively perform asthma and COPD screening as prescribed by their doctor.
To update more information about asthma, COPD as well as scientific healthcare methods, please visit Website: careplusvn.com, Fanpage: CarePlus Clinic Vietnam or contact Hotline: 1800 6116.