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Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell, causing more mucus to form. This can make breathing difficult and cause coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing), and shortness of breath.
Asthma is a mild annoyance for some people. For others, it can be a severe issue that disrupts everyday activities and may result in a life-threatening asthma attack.
Although asthma cannot be cured, its symptoms can be managed. Because asthma symptoms might change over time, it's critical that you collaborate with your doctor to monitor your symptoms and adjust your therapy as needed.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA?
The symptoms of asthma differ from individual to person. You may experience rare asthma episodes, symptoms only at certain times (for example, when exercising), or symptoms all of the time.
Asthma symptoms and signs include:
- Breathing difficulty
- Tightness or pain in the chest
- Wheezing when exhaling is a common symptom of asthma in kids.
- Sleeping difficulties caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing
- Coughing or wheezing attacks exacerbated by a respiratory illness, such as the common cold or the flu
Signs that your asthma is likely to worsen include:
- More frequent and painful asthma signs and symptoms
- Increasing difficulty breathing, as assessed by a gadget that measures how effectively your lungs work (peak flow meter)
- The requirement to use a quick-relief inhaler more frequently
Some people's asthma symptoms worsen in the following situations:
- Exercise-induced asthma, which may be exacerbated by cold and dry air.
- Occupational asthma is caused by irritants in the job such as chemical fumes, gases, or dust.
- Allergy-induced asthma is caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach feces, or skin and dried saliva shed by dogs (pet dander)
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?
Seek immediate medical attention.
Severe asthma attacks are potentially fatal. Work with your doctor to establish what to do if your symptoms worsen or if you require emergency treatment. Asthma emergency symptoms include:
- Rapid deterioration of shortness of breath or wheeze
- Even after taking a quick-relief inhaler, there was no improvement.
- Shortness of breath when conducting little physical activity
Consult your doctor.
- If you suspect you have asthma: Consult your doctor if you experience regular coughing or wheezing that lasts more than a few days, or if you have any other signs or symptoms of asthma. Early treatment of asthma may help avoid long-term lung damage and keep the condition from worsening over time.
- To keep track of your asthma after it's been diagnosed: If you have asthma, collaborate with your doctor to keep it under control. Long-term control improves your day-to-day living and can avert a life-threatening asthma attack.
- If your asthma symptoms worsen: If your medication isn't alleviating your symptoms or if you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more frequently, consult your doctor straight away.
Do not take more medication than is given without first visiting your doctor. Overuse of asthma medications might produce negative effects and worsen your asthma.
- To go over your treatment plan: Asthma frequently evolves over time. Consult your doctor on a frequent basis to discuss your symptoms and make any necessary treatment adjustments.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ASTHMA?
It is unknown why some people develop asthma and others do not, but it is most likely due to a mix of environmental and inherited (genetic) variables.
Triggers of Asthma
Exposure to numerous irritants and substances that cause allergies (allergens) can cause asthma symptoms. Asthma triggers vary from person to person and may include:
- Pollutants and irritants in the air, such as smoke
- Certain medications, such as beta blockers, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others), as well as naproxen sodium (Aleve), are contraindicated.
- Stress and strong emotions
- Some foods and beverages include sulfites and preservatives, such as shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer, and wine.
- GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease), a condition that occurs when stomach acids back up into your throat.
- Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and cockroach feces are examples of airborne allergens.
- Infections of the respiratory system, such as the common cold
- Physical exercise
- Cold air
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ASTHMA?
A variety of things may raise your chances of acquiring asthma. They are as follows:
- Having an asthmatic blood relative, such as a parent or sibling
- Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis (red, itchy skin) or hay fever (runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes).
- Overweight
- As a smoker
- Secondhand smoke exposure
- Exhaust fumes or other sorts of pollution exposure
- Workplace triggers such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing, and manufacturing
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ASTHMA?
Complications of asthma include:
- Symptoms and signs that disrupt sleep, work, and other activities
- Sick days from work or school due to asthma attacks
- A permanent constriction of the tubes that transport air to and from your lungs (bronchial tubes), affecting your ability to breathe.
- Hospitalizations and emergency department visits for severe asthma attacks
- Side effects of long-term usage of several drugs used to stabilize severe asthma
Proper therapy makes a significant impact in preventing both short-term and long-term asthma problems.
HOW IS ASTHMA DIAGNOSED?
Physical examination
A physical check will be performed by your doctor to rule out other possible illnesses, such as a respiratory infection or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Your doctor will also inquire about your signs and symptoms, as well as any other health issues.
Tests to measure lung function
Lung function tests may be performed on you to evaluate how much air travels in and out of your lungs when you breathe. Among these tests are:
- Spirometry: This test assesses bronchial tube narrowing by measuring how much air you can exhale after taking a deep breath and how quickly you can breathe out.
- Peak flow: A peak flow meter is a basic instrument that monitors how strongly you can exhale. Peak flow values that are lower than typical indicate that your lungs are not operating as well as they should and that your asthma is worsening. Your doctor will instruct you on how to monitor and cope with low peak flow values.
Lung function tests are frequently performed before and after taking a bronchodilator, such as albuterol, to open your airways. If using a bronchodilator improves your lung function, you most certainly have asthma.
Additional tests
Other asthma diagnostic tests include:
- Methacholine challenge: Methacholine has been linked to asthma attacks. When inhaled, it causes a minor narrowing of the airways. If you have a reaction to methacholine, you most certainly have asthma. Even if your initial lung function test is normal, this test may be used.
- Imaging tests: A chest X-ray can aid in the detection of structural abnormalities or diseases (such as infection) that might cause or exacerbate breathing problems.
- Sputum eosinophils: This test looks for certain white blood cells (eosinophils) in the saliva and mucus (sputum) that you cough up. When symptoms appear, eosinophils are present and can be seen when stained with a rose-colored dye.
- Provocative tests for cold-induced asthma and exercise: Your doctor will measure your airway obstruction before and after you do severe physical activity or take multiple deep breaths of cold air during these tests.
- Allergy testing: A skin test or a blood test can be used to diagnose allergies. They determine whether you are allergic to pets, dust, mold, or pollen. Your doctor may offer allergy shots if allergic triggers are discovered.
- Nitric oxide test: This test determines the amount of nitric oxide in your breath. When your airways are irritated, which is an indication of asthma, your nitric oxide levels may be greater than normal. This examination is not widely available.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ASTHMA?
Prevention and long-term control are essential for preventing asthma attacks. Treatment usually entails learning to recognize your triggers, taking precautions to avoid triggers, and analyzing your breathing to ensure that your drugs are controlling your symptoms. If you have an asthma attack, you may need to take a quick-relief inhaler.
Medications
The proper drugs for you are determined by several factors, including your age, symptoms, asthma triggers, and what works best to keep your asthma under control.
Long-term control drugs diminish swelling (inflammation) in your airways, which causes symptoms. Bronchodilators (quick-relief inhalers) open swollen airways that are restricting breathing. Allergy medicines may be required in some circumstances.
Medication for long-term asthma control: Asthma medications are normally administered on a daily basis. These drugs keep asthma under control on a daily basis and reduce the likelihood of an asthma attack. Long-term control drugs include the following:
- Inhaled corticosteroids: Fluticasone propionate (Flovent HFA, Flovent Diskus, Xhance), budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler, Pulmicort Respules, Rhinocort), ciclesonide (Alvesco), beclomethasone (Qvar Redihaler), mometasone (Asmanex HFA, Asmanex Twisthaler), and fluticasone furoate (Arnuity Ellipta) are examples of these drugs.
These medications may need to be used for several days to weeks before they provide their full benefit. In comparison to oral corticosteroids, inhaled corticosteroids have a minimal risk of major adverse effects.
- Leukotriene modifiers: These oral drugs, which include montelukast (Singulair), zafirlukast (Accolate), and zileuton (Zyflo), aid in the relief of asthma symptoms.
Montelukast has been associated with agitation, violence, hallucinations, depression, and suicidal ideation. If you have any of these reactions, get medical attention immediately once.
- Combination inhalers: Fluticasone-salmeterol (Advair HFA, Airduo Digihaler, and others), budesonide-formoterol (Symbicort), formoterol-mometasone (Dulera), and fluticasone furoate-vilanterol (Breo Ellipta) are examples of drugs that contain a long-acting beta agonist as well as a corticosteroid.
- Theophylline: Theophylline (Theo-24, Elixophyllin, Theochron) is a daily medication that works by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways. It is not as commonly used as other asthma drugs and necessitates regular blood tests.
Medication for immediate relief (rescue): are taken as needed during an asthma attack to provide quick, short-term symptom relief. They can also be used before exercise if your doctor suggests it. Quick-relief drugs include the following:
- Short-acting beta agonists: These inhaled, quick-relief bronchodilators work quickly to relieve symptoms during an asthma attack. Albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, and others) and levalbuterol are examples (Xopenex, Xopenex HFA).
Short-acting beta agonists can be administered by a portable, hand-held inhaler or a nebulizer, a machine that turns asthma drugs into a tiny mist. They are inhaled using a mouthpiece or a face mask.
- Anticholinergic agents: Ipratropium (Atrovent HFA) and tiotropium (Spiriva, Spiriva Respimat), like other bronchodilators, function fast to relax your airways, making it easier to breathe. They are mostly used to treat emphysema and chronic bronchitis, but they can also be used to treat asthma.
- Corticosteroids, both oral and intravenous: Prednisone (Prednisone Intensol, Rayos) and methylprednisolone (Medrol, Depo-Medrol, Solu-Medrol) are two medicines used to treat severe asthma. Because they might have dangerous negative effects when used long term, these medications are exclusively used to treat severe asthma symptoms.
If you suffer an asthma attack, a quick-relief inhaler can help you feel better immediately away. However, if your long-term control meds are working well, you shouldn't need to use your quick-relief inhaler very often.
Keep track of the number of puffs you use each week. Consult your doctor if you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more frequently than your doctor prescribes. You should probably change your long-term control medication.
Medication for allergies: If your asthma is induced or exacerbated by allergens, this medication may be beneficial. These are some examples:
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots): Allergy shots gradually diminish your immune system's response to specific allergens. Shots are usually given once a week for a few months, then once a month for three to five years.
- Biologics: These drugs, which include omalizumab (Xolair), mepolizumab (Nucala), dupilumab (Dupixent), reslizumab (Cinqair), and benralizumab (Fasenra), are only for those with severe asthma.
Bronchial thermoplasty
This medicine is used to treat severe asthma that has not responded to inhaled corticosteroids or other long-term asthma therapies. It is not widely available and is not suitable for everyone.
During bronchial thermoplasty, your doctor uses an electrode to heat the insides of the lungs' airways. Heat relaxes the smooth muscle in the airways. This reduces the airways' tendency to constrict, making breathing easier and possibly lowering asthma attacks. The therapy is typically administered during three outpatient appointments.
A progressive strategy to treating by severity for better control
Your treatment should be adaptable to changes in your symptoms. At each visit, your doctor should inquire about your symptoms. Your doctor can alter your treatment based on your signs and symptoms.
If your asthma is well controlled, for example, your doctor may prescribe less medication. If your asthma isn't under control or worsening, your doctor may raise your prescription and suggest more regular visits.
Action Plan for Asthma
Create an asthma action plan with your doctor that specifies when to take certain medications or when to raise or reduce the dose of your medications according on your symptoms. Include a list of your triggers as well as the steps you must take to avoid them.
Your doctor may also advise you to keep note of your asthma symptoms or use a peak flow meter on a regular basis to see how well your treatment is working.
HOME REMEDIES FOR ASTHMA
Although many individuals with asthma rely on drugs to prevent and relieve symptoms, there are a number of things you can do on your own to maintain your health and reduce the likelihood of asthma episodes.
Stay away from your triggers.
Taking actions to decrease your exposure to asthma triggers is a critical component of asthma management. To lower your risk, you should do the following:
- Make use of your air conditioner: Air conditioning minimizes the amount of pollen in the air that comes from trees, grasses, and weeds. Air conditioning also reduces interior humidity, which may lessen your exposure to dust mites. If you do not have air conditioning, close your windows during pollen season.
- Mold spore prevention: To prevent mold spores from growing, clean moist spots in the bathroom, kitchen, and around the house. Remove any moldy leaves or damp firewood from the yard.
- Pet dander should be reduced: Avoid pets with fur or feathers if you are allergic to dander. Having your pets cleaned or groomed on a regular basis may also help to reduce the quantity of dander in your environment.
- Regular cleaning: At least once a week, clean your house. Wear a mask or have someone else handle the cleaning if you're likely to stir up dust. Regularly wash your bedding.
- If it's cold outside, cover your nose and mouth: Wearing a face mask can assist if cold or dry air aggravates your asthma.
- Clean up your decor: Replace several objects in your bedroom to reduce dust that may aggravate nocturnal symptoms. Encase cushions, mattresses, and box springs with dustproof covers, for example. Down-filled pillows and blankets should be avoided. Remove the carpeting throughout the house and replace it with hardwood or linoleum flooring. Washable drapes and blinds should be used.
- Maintain ideal humidity levels: Consult your doctor about using a dehumidifier if you live in a humid climate.
Maintain your health
Taking care of yourself can help you control your symptoms, such as:
- Exercise on a regular basis: Because you have asthma, you do not have to be less active. Treatment can help to prevent asthma episodes and regulate symptoms while exercising.
Regular exercise can help strengthen your heart and lungs, easing asthma symptoms. Wear a face mask when exercising in chilly weather to warm the air you breathe.
- Keep a healthy weight: Being overweight might aggravate asthma symptoms and put you at risk for additional health problems.
- Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) management: Acid reflux, which causes heartburn, may damage lung airways and aggravate asthma symptoms. Consult your doctor about treatment options if you have regular or constant heartburn. You may require GERD treatment before your asthma symptoms improve.