Asthma
Asthma:
The word means "difficult breathing." It is a chronic disease characterized
by labored breathing, coughing spells, and chest constriction. When bronchitis
is not treated promptly, it may develop into asthma. In old cats, complete recovery
is difficult, especially if the cat has heart or lung problems. Limited diet,
rest in a dry place and visits to the vet are necessary. This
disease is an immune-mediated disease characterized by symptoms ranging from infrequent,
hairball-like coughing, to sudden onsets of respiratory distress (which veterinarians
call "acute dyspnea"). Episodesare usually triggered by an allergen
or stress, and can be accompanied/followed by vomiting, sneezing, or even wheezing
like a human allergy sufferer. Respiratory signs may be slow and deliberate (more
abdominal breathing), to fast and labored. Long-term
treatment of asthma usually includes short or long-term use of corticosteroids
(such as prednisone), and bronchodilators (such as terbutaline or aminophyline).
While severe "episodes" of dyspnea can occur, the long-termprognosis
of this disease is generally excellent. If diagnosed early, any structural changes
to the lungs and airway are usually reversible, and damage can minimized.
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