ASTHMA – BLOOD TESTS
There are now some blood tests (RAST tests) which can determine specific allergens. There is still some doubt about their accuracy. Other blood tests show a rise in the amount of globulin, the blood protein concerned with immunity.
Treatment of asthma will depend on its severity. There is no cure but control is possible. Mild or occasional asthma will only require treatment for the acute attack.
Many drugs are used and are designed to dilate the constricted bronchial tubes. They can be taken by mouth, by suppository (absorbed through the rectum), by injection into the muscles or directly into a vein, or inhaled into the lungs.
Most are related to adrenalin and tend to make the heart beat faster and the person feel jumpy.
Children often vomit with asthma and so, in an acute attack, cannot take medicine by mouth.
The development of the metered spray has made treatment so much better and drugs can be delivered in small doses directly to the target tissue.
Some of these bronchodilator medicines are used not only for an acute attack but also on a regular basis for prevention.
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