Understanding Asthma: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects millions of children and adults worldwide. It affects the air passages of the lungs, causing breathing difficulties. Although asthma has no cure, it can be controlled if appropriate treatment, lifestyle changes and proper care are followed. The most essential thing in controlling asthma is knowing the facts. Knowledge will help in managing asthma and living a normal and active life.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that involves inflammation, constriction and the production of excess mucus within the air passages. As a result, it is difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs. There are individuals whose symptoms of asthma are mild while, for others, it could be life-threatening if not well managed.

Asthma usually develops in children but it is not uncommon for it to develop at other ages. In some cases, symptoms are occasional and there are also individuals with persistent symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Asthma

In most cases, symptoms of asthma may differ from one individual to another and can sometimes become worse during certain times or when certain stimuli are involved. These include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing (whistling sound during inhalation or exhalation)
• Chest tightness or pain
• Shortness of breath when exercising

Asthma Causes and Risk Factors

Although the cause of asthma is still unclear, it is thought that the disease occurs as a result of a complex interplay of both genetic and environmental components in the body. Those individuals with a familial tendency towards asthma and allergies are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Other Risk Factors Include:

• Exposure to air pollutants or cigarette smoke
• Respiratory infections during early childhood
• Allergies like allergic rhinitis or eczema
• Occupational exposure to dust, chemicals or fumes
• Obesity and poor pulmonary health

Knowledge of these risk factors may help lead to early diagnosis and improved control of asthma.

Common Asthma Triggers

Symptoms of asthma can sometimes be triggered by certain conditions that irritate the air passages. Some of the conditions that can cause triggering of asthma include:

• Dust mites, pollen, mold and pet dander
• Cold air, change in weather, etc
• Air pollution and smell
• Cigarette smoke or smoke from burning fuel
• Stress and related emotions
• Respiratory infections like common cold or flu

Allergic reactions vary from person to person because not all asthmatic persons may have the same triggers.

Classification of Asthma

It can be divided into various categories, which depend on the causative agent and the age at which it occurs:

• Allergic asthma: When the allergens include dust, pollen or pet dander
• Non-allergic asthma: Caused by stress, infection and pollution.
• Exercise-induced asthma: Symptoms develop during or follow exercise
• Childhood asthma: It occurs in children and improves but sometimes persists into adulthood.

It helps the doctor decide on a treatment method depending on the type of asthma.

Diagnosing Asthma

The diagnosis of asthma involves a medical history, physical examination and breathing function tests. Various tests that a physician might order include:

• Spirometry to assess the capacity of lungs
• Peak flow tests to check airflow
• Elimination of allergens from the environment
• Chest X-rays for the evaluation of other diagnoses

Early diagnosis makes possible early treatment, which prevents severe attacks of asthma.

Treatment and Management of Asthma

Asthma cannot be cured, so it is very important that it is managed effectively. When it comes to managing asthma, treatments involve taking medications and observing lifestyle adjustments.

Medications

• Reliever inhalers: Give urgent relief during asthma attacks
• Preventer inhalers: Prevent airway inflammation, also known as anti-inflammatory medications.
• Oral drugs: For cases that are moderate to severe
• Biologic therapies: In cases of uncontrolled asthma that are severe.

Lifestyle and Personal Hygiene Practices

• Stay away from asthmatic triggers
• Follow your prescribed medications
• Keep a healthy and active lifestyle
• Perform breathing exercises
• Get vaccinated for flu and respiratory infections

Regular check-ups with a doctor are necessary because the treatment plan has to be modified periodically.

Asthma in Children Versus Adults

Symptoms in children may vary from those experienced by adults since at times, asthma in children can be mistaken for recurrent respiratory infections. Children may grow out of their asthma, but in other cases, asthma may progress to adulthood. In adults, asthma may be attributed to environmental exposure or hormonal influences.

In children and adults, early medical treatment is important to avoid lung damage.

Living Well With Asthma

With proper care, an individual with asthma does not have to live a restricted or inactive life. Education and awareness about the disease, along with following proper care procedures, are key factors that help control the condition and avoid an emergency.

Asthma Management at Prakash Hospital

At Prakash Hospital, asthma treatment includes proper diagnosis, tailored treatment and sustained respiratory health management. Skilled professionals employ sophisticated diagnostic procedures in assessing the triggers and severity of asthma, which helps in customized treatment.

Through a patient-centric strategy, education, compliance and prophylaxis are also emphasized in helping patients effectively control their asthma and live effortlessly by breathing easily.

When to See a Doctor

You can contact a doctor in case you suffer from persistent episodes of wheezing, coughing, breathlessness and if asthmatic symptoms affect your daily life. In case of severe attacks of asthma and failure of medications in improving asthmic symptoms, you need to see a doctor immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is asthma a lifelong illness?

Asthma, being a chronic condition, can be controlled quite effectively in most sufferers if treated properly.

• Can asthma be prevented?

While asthma cannot always be prevented, proper management can minimize the symptoms.

• Is asthma contagious?

Asthma is not a contagious condition.

• Can exercise exacerbate asthma?

Although exercise may induce symptoms in a few individuals, under proper care, the incorporation of exercise is recommended.

• Can children outgrow asthma?

In some children, the symptoms may lessen with age, while in others, the condition may persist into adulthood.