Asthma

What is Asthma?

Asthma (also known as bronchial asthma) is one of the most common chronic conditions seen in 1 of every 12 children in America. It is a condition where breathing becomes difficult and triggers coughing as the airway narrows and swells, creating extra mucus.

Asthma can hinder your daily activities and even lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. During an asthma attack, the airways become constricted hence making it difficult for air to flow freely. The body produces thick mucus, and the linings of the airways become swollen.

There are various types of asthma attacks, each varying in its severity of symptoms. Some of them are:

• Intermittent: It doesn't trouble you as it comes and goes

• Persistent: Symptoms can be moderate or severe and happens often

• Allergic: Some allergies like pollen and mold can be a cause

• Non-allergic: Exercise, stress, and weather can also be a risk factors

• Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome: You have asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) simultaneously.

What are the causes of Asthma?

When you breathe normally, your airways’ muscles are relaxed; thus, air moves quickly. In cases of asthma, the air becomes restricted, and it isn't clear how some people get affected while others don't.

Asthma triggers can be a combination of environmental and genetic factors, some of which include:

• Respiratory infections

• Cold air

• Airborne allergens

• Family history of asthma or allergies

• Hygiene hypothesis

• Extreme weather conditions

• Exercise

• Stress and intense emotions

• Certain medications

What are the symptoms of Asthma?

The asthma symptoms vary according to the type of asthma the patient is experiencing. Some people may have them throughout the day, or for some, it may be induced due to some activity or the environment.

Some of the common asthma symptoms include:

• Wheezing

• Coughing

• Shortness of breath

• Tightness in the chest

• Fatigue

• Anxiousness

• Trouble sleeping

The signs may differ from person to person. In certain circumstances, if you experience a flare-up of symptoms, use quick treatments like an inhaler.

If an inhaler does not work and the condition deteriorates, seek immediate medical attention. Signs of an asthma emergency include:

• Gasping for air

• Severe breathing difficulty

• Pale or blue lips

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Rapid worsening of wheezing

Diagnosis of Asthma

There is no concrete way to diagnose asthma. Your physician will review your medical history, especially your history of allergies, lung diseases, and eczema (a rash caused by allergies).

They will also request a physical exam to rule out respiratory infection, but this test is not for children below 5. Kids below five years will be given asthma medication and wait for the symptoms to improve. Adults will be given bronchodilators or other asthma medication to indicate asthma.

Some tests that help diagnose asthma include:

• Spirometry

• Peak flow

• Imaging testing

• Allergy testing

• Methacholine challenge

• Nitric oxide testing

Treatment for Asthma

The treatment methods and medication is based on your age, symptoms, type of asthma, and asthma triggers. Quick-relief medication, long-term control medication, biologics, and a combination of quick-relief and long-term are the treatment categories.

Quick-relief asthma medication helps you breathe again quickly in the event of an asthma attack. It includes:

• Bronchodilators

• First-aid asthma relief

Long-term asthma medication keeps the symptoms under control daily and reduces the risk of asthma attacks.

• Anti-inflammatories

• Anticholinergics

• Inhaled corticosteroids

• Theophylline

Other treatment methods include bronchial thermoplasty and biologics. Bronchial thermoplastic is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an electrode to heat the airways to prevent them from tightening. Biologic is a method used when other medication or treatment does not work. The medicine disturbs the pathway that leads to inflammation by targeting specific antibodies.