One rare form of severe asthma is called brittle asthma that is a hard-to-control form of asthma, as the term ‘brittle’ says, and which is not usually responding to regular asthma treatment.
Types of brittle asthma
Type 1
This brittle asthma type is characterized by acute sudden attacks and breathlessness periods that occur daily.
Brittle asthma type also triggers an inefficient immune system and respiratory infections. Food allergies are also common for people suffering from type 1 brittle asthma.
Type 1 brittle asthma patients require frequent medical attention and frequent hospitalizations.
Type 2
With proper medication and care, this type of brittle asthma can be controlled for long periods of time.
However, this type of brittle asthma is characterized by very severe sudden attacks that will always require medical care since they could be life-threatening.
Risk factors for brittle asthma
Brittle asthma hasn’t any specific risk factor besides those of regular forms of asthma. However, some risk factors linked to brittle asthma development include:
- overweight and obesity
- resistance to asthma drugs
- long-term exposure to allergens
- regular respiratory infections
- smoking
- inefficient immune system
- untreated sinusitis
Keeping brittle asthma under control
Brittle asthma treatment is complex and, in general, is represented by a combination of the following:
- tiotropium bromide
- leukotriene modifiers
- theophylline
- corticosteroids
- beta agonists
However, even a combination of such drugs is not totally a sure treatment, therefore your doctor has to keep you under surveillance to monitor the response to such a treatment.
How to prevent the severe brittle asthma attacks
To reduce the risks of a sudden severe brittle asthma attack you should clean your house regularly to reduce the presence of dust and microorganisms.
Also, you should keep the air humidity at an optimal level.
Other methods to reduce the risks for severe brittle asthma attacks include:
- eliminate mold if present
- keep windows closed to prevent entrance of allergens such as pollen
- protect your nose and mouth in cold
