Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes breathing difficulty through inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages, often starting in childhood. Asthma can be a minor nuisance for some individuals, but for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with their daily activities and can lead to life-threatening attacks.
What causes asthma?
Many things are responsible for asthma. Although it is different for different people, and the severity can also be different, depending on several factors and conditions.
Asthma can be hereditary: Asthma often runs in families. If a parent or sibling has asthma, there is an increased likelihood that other family members may develop it.
Environmental factors can trigger asthma: Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold; air pollutants like smoke, vehicle emissions, and industrial chemicals can trigger and exacerbate asthma symptoms. This points to the fact that air quality plays a significant role in asthma prevalence, especially in urban areas.
Lifestyle needs to be put in check: Both active smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke significantly increase the risk of developing asthma. Worse still, smoking during pregnancy exposes children to the risk of asthma.
Also, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants, may increase the risk of asthma. Conversely, a diet high in processed foods and low in omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to airway inflammation.
Respiratory Infections: Respiratory infections, particularly in early childhood, can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of developing asthma. These include viral infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that are particularly associated with the development of asthma in children.
Weather and Climate: Breathing in cold, dry air can cause airway constriction in some individuals, leading to asthma symptoms. In the same vein, high humidity can increase the levels of mold and dust mites, which are common asthma triggers. Similarly, extreme heat can exacerbate pollution levels, contributing to asthma attacks.
Obesity can put you at risk of asthma: Obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing asthma. The exact reasons are not fully understood, but it is believed that inflammation and changes in lung function related to obesity may contribute to asthma.
Symptoms of Asthma
Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or at night.
- Chest Tightness: A feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest.
- Wheezing: A whistling or squeaky sound when breathing, particularly on exhalation.
- Coughing: Persistent coughing, often worse at night or early in the morning. In some cases, the cough may be the only symptom.
- Difficulty Sleeping: Asthma symptoms can worsen at night, leading to disrupted sleep.
Asthma Attacks
During an asthma attack, the symptoms above can suddenly worsen. The muscles around the airways tighten, the airway lining swells, and excessive mucus is produced, making it very difficult to breathe. An asthma attack can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Asthma can come in various forms
Some are triggered by allergies. That is, they are triggered by exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. It is often associated with other allergic conditions like hay fever or eczema.
Also, there are some that are triggered by such factors as stress, exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections, rather than allergens. This type of asthma is less common but can be more difficult to manage.
Some asthma only increases at night. Their symptoms worsen at night and often cause sleep disturbances. This type of asthma may be linked to changes in hormone levels, airway temperature, or allergen exposure during sleep.
Diagnosis of Asthma
Medical History: A thorough medical history, including family history of asthma or allergies, exposure to environmental triggers, and a description of symptoms, is the first step in diagnosing asthma.
Physical Examination: A physical examination, particularly of the lungs and respiratory system, helps identify any signs of asthma, such as wheezing or prolonged exhalation.
Lung Function Tests: This includes spirometry, which measures the amount of air a person can exhale after a deep breath and how quickly they can exhale. Then, peak flow measurement, which measures how fast a person can expel air from their lungs. A decrease in peak flow readings may indicate worsening asthma.
Allergy tests, such as skin prick tests or blood tests, can help identify specific allergens that may be triggering asthma symptoms.
How is asthma treated?
Medications
Controller Medications: These are taken daily to manage chronic symptoms and prevent asthma attacks by reducing inflammation in the airways. Common controller medications include:
- Inhaled Corticosteroids: The most effective long-term control medications. They reduce inflammation in the airways.
- Long-Acting Beta Agonists (LABAs): Often used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids to help keep the airways open.
- Leukotriene Modifiers: Oral medications that help prevent airway constriction.
- Biologics: Targeted therapies like omalizumab, mepolizumab, or dupilumab are used for severe asthma that is not well controlled with other treatments.
- Rescue Medications: These are fast-acting medications used to relieve symptoms during an asthma attack or when symptoms suddenly worsen. The most common rescue medications are:
- Short-Acting Beta Agonists (SABAs): Inhalers like albuterol that quickly open the airways and relieve symptoms.
- Anticholinergics: Sometimes used in combination with SABAs during an asthma attack to provide additional relief.
Lifestyle and Environmental Management
- Trigger Avoidance: Identifying and avoiding triggers that can cause asthma symptoms, such as allergens (dust mites, pollen, pet dander), smoke, air pollution, and cold air.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity is important, but it should be done in a way that minimizes the risk of exercise-induced asthma. This can include warming up properly, exercising in environments with good air quality, and using a rescue inhaler before exercise if prescribed.
- Diet: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and support overall lung health.
- Smoking Cessation: Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke is crucial for managing asthma.
Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up
- Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are important to monitor the condition, adjust medications, and ensure that asthma is well controlled. Lung function tests, such as spirometry, may be used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment plan.
Asthma is a major noncommunicable disease, affecting both children and adults, and is the most common chronic disease among children. Asthma is a long term disease that is not curable, but can be well controlled and managed.