Fetal surgery firsts
The first open fetal surgery in the world was performed at UCSF in the early 1980s.
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Asthma is a common chronic or long-term disease. It involves the respiratory system which includes your airways and lungs. Various triggers cause the airways to contrict and become inflammed. In some cases the airways are filled with excessive amounts of mucus. All these events lead to airway obstruction. Airway constriction causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. An asthma exacerbation also referred to as an asthma attack may occur suddenly, with a feeling of chest tightness, difficulty breathing, coughing and wheezing. The symptoms of asthma, which can range from mild to life threatening, can usually, be controlled with a combination of medicines and environmental changes. Between episodes, most children will feel well but the airways may still be inflamed.
Asthma is often diagnosed by symptoms and exam findings. Your doctor may recommend spirometry testing, a breathing test that is used to detect and quantify the degree of airway obstruction. Spirometry is used to establish a diagnosis of asthma. Spirometry is also used to monitor lung function over time in those who already have asthma. It is recommended that spirometry be performed at least once every one or two years. To perform the test appropriately you have to be at least 5 years old and able to hold your breath for at least 6 seconds.
Regular exercise is important for everyone, even if you have asthma. Exercise can be a trigger for some. With proper management you should not be limited in physical activity. Aerobic exercise help improves airway function by strengthening breathing muscles. The key to safe exercise is to work with your doctor to make sure your asthma symptoms are controlled.
Symptoms you may experience with exercise include:
Here are some tips for exercising with asthma:
If asthma stops you from being active, your asthma is out of control and you should see your doctor.
There are two major categories of asthma medicines. These medicines are used during an asthma attack to relieve acute symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. They do not suppress the underlying inflammation. If you need to use your rescue or “quick-relief” medicine more than twice a week, it means that your asthma is not well controlled and you should seek advice from your doctor for better asthma management. These medicines suppress the underlying inflammation and reduce the swelling in the lining of the airways. With the proper use of preventive medicines, you can avoid the complications that result from overuse of “quick-relief” medicines. There are various forms of controller medicines that your doctor can review with you.
To learn more about asthma and asthma management, please watch our entire asthma video or specific segment on youtube
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your child's doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your child's provider.
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Fetal surgery firsts