Bronchial asthma is a widespread and very dangerous disease. Asthma attacks, which are a characteristic sign of this pathology, can lead to the death of the patient if he is not provided with timely assistance. Because of this, people have to take medicine or use an inhaler, which creates some discomfort.
Therefore, doctors are developing new methods of dealing with the disease, and one of them is the asthma vaccine. It can significantly reduce the frequency of manifestations of the disease and reduce the risks to the patient’s life. It is worth finding out on what principles vaccination is carried out, and what this method of treatment is.
Bronchial asthma and its causes
To understand why asthma vaccinations are needed, you need to find out what the disease is. Bronchial asthma is an inflammatory process in the respiratory tract, characterized by a chronic course. Because of it, hyperreactivity of the respiratory system develops. This makes the bronchi especially sensitive to external influences.
The air contains various organic and inorganic impurities that, if inhaled, can irritate them. And with increased vulnerability of organs, the likelihood of an asthmatic reaction increases. Due to irritation, the lumens in the bronchi narrow, which provokes attacks of suffocation.
It is difficult to name the exact cause of the disease. Usually bronchial asthma occurs under the influence of several factors in combination. The main ones are:
- Features of the structure of the respiratory system. With anomalies in the structure of organs or violations in their functioning, the likelihood of developing excessive sensitivity increases.
- Weakness of the immune system. This feature can cause the body’s vulnerability to any external influences.
- Intolerance to certain substances. Such substances are called allergens. Upon contact with them, the immune system begins to actively produce histamine, which causes an attack.
- Content of harmful impurities in the air. Large amounts of irritating particles entering the respiratory tract have a negative impact.
In addition to these, you can name other factors that can weaken the respiratory system. Their interaction with each other increases the risk of developing the disease.
For bronchial asthma, alternating periods of remission and exacerbations are characteristic. It has not yet been possible to completely get rid of the disease. Even during remission, the inflammatory process in the bronchi persists and, with an unfavorable effect, manifests itself again. Therefore, the main recommendation for patients is to avoid traumatic factors. Frequent exposure to irritants can lead to complications.
Asthma treatments
Complete disposal of bronchial asthma is impossible, therefore, therapy is aimed at eliminating exacerbations and preventing their re-development.
Since difficulties arise under the influence of unfavorable circumstances, they can be avoided by minimizing the impact of traumatic factors on the body. The patient is examined to find out what conditions lead to negative reactions. These circumstances should be avoided by asthmatics. They are also supposed to take preventive measures related to giving up bad habits and employment in hazardous production, treatment of infectious diseases, proper nutrition, etc.
Asthma medications are used to treat attacks. They imply the use of drugs that promote the expansion of the lumen in the bronchi (beta- adrenergic agonists ). They are recommended to be used as needed and only as directed by a doctor.
In severe asthma, the patient may be prescribed hormonal therapy with glucocorticosteroids . Such drugs are characterized by a strong effect, therefore, their intake is allowed only in compliance with the instructions.
As additional drugs can serve as mucolytic and expectorant drugs. They promote the elimination of phlegm and increase the space in the bronchi.
Vaccination for bronchial asthma is a new treatment that is used with caution.
Allergic vaccine as one of the ways to treat bronchial asthma
Most treatment methods for this disease can eliminate its manifestations, but do not affect the cause. Vaccinations against bronchial asthma help to solve the problem. This is a relatively new method of therapeutic influence, which has not received sufficient distribution. The vaccine continues to be improved and tested, although the use of existing drugs is showing good results. This measure is especially effective in relation to asthma, which is of an allergic nature.
The vaccine is developed on the basis of nano – vector DNA and is directed against the action of dust mites and plant pollen. It is they who most often provoke an allergic and asthmatic reaction.
For its purpose, the main indication is the presence of atopic bronchial asthma. Also, the doctor may recommend vaccination in other cases, if he considers it appropriate.
Vaccinations are given after allergic tests, during which the cause of the reaction is identified.
Vaccination against asthma in asthmatics causes a decrease in the sensitivity of the immune system to adverse effects. Post-procedure examinations show improvements in the condition of the respiratory system. Choking attacks after asthma vaccination occur much less frequently or disappear completely. Minor symptoms that do not cause discomfort may persist.
Features of vaccination of patients with asthma
Immunization for bronchial asthma is allowed for all patients aged 5 to 50 years, if indicated. After this age, the procedure is not performed, since there is a high risk of complications due to concomitant diseases caused by age-related changes.
The principle of vaccination is to introduce allergens into the body in a small dose. This procedure can reduce the sensitivity of the immune system. As a result, upon contact with a stimulus, the usual reaction does not occur or is manifested weaker.
Vaccination for asthma is always carried out in combination with basic treatment. It is recommended to carry out it with pathology of mild and moderate severity. Sometimes people with severe illness are vaccinated with asthma vaccines. In this case, the procedure is carried out only in stationary conditions. The doctor should assess the likelihood of possible complications and, if the use of the method is appropriate, vaccinate.
There are no restrictions for toddlers and adolescents. The procedure is carried out during periods of remission, the duration of which is from 1 month. If during the tests it is established that the seizures are caused by a protein that is part of the drug, vaccination is carried out. This is done in a long-term course that takes at least 12 weeks. The vaccine stimulates a minor allergic reaction and activates defense mechanisms. Throughout the entire course of vaccination, a gradual increase in the dose of the drug used is carried out.
The introduction of the vaccine is possible in different ways. The most commonly used option is subcutaneous. There are also drugs for oral and sublingual administration. The procedure should be carried out by a specialist with a sufficient level of experience, since improper actions can cause anaphylactic shock in the patient. During the period of using the vaccine, the patient should follow a hypoallergenic diet and carefully monitor his health, reporting all suspicious symptoms to the doctor.
Finally
One of the methods of treating a disease such as bronchial asthma is vaccination. The method involves the introduction into the body of a drug based on a protein that provokes an allergic reaction. This helps to stimulate the defenses, thereby reducing the sensitivity to the stimulus.
Vaccination demonstrates high efficiency, significantly weakening the manifestations of the disease. The procedure can be carried out only on the recommendation of an allergist and with the participation of a qualified specialist.