What is Asthma? | Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Information

Introduction - What is Asthma?

Asthma is a prevalent chronic illness of the lungs and airways. It causes inflammation and constriction of the tiny airways, making breathing difficult. Asthma can afflict people of any age, but it most commonly begins in childhood. Asthma is a major non-communicable disease (NCD) and a leading cause of death and disability around the world.

Symptoms

Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The frequency and intensity of these symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the circumstances. Some people may experience moderate symptoms that occur only on occasion, whilst others may experience severe symptoms that interfere with their daily activities and quality of life. Asthma symptoms can also intensify at night or after physical activity.

Causes

Although the precise causes of asthma are unknown, they are likely to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some people may inherit an asthmatic predisposition from their parents or relatives. Other factors that can increase your chances of developing asthma include:

Dust mites, animal dander, pollen, mould, cockroach faeces, and food additives are examples of allergens.
Tobacco smoke, air pollution, chemical odours, fragrances, and chilly air are all irritants to the airways.
Infections: respiratory infections caused by viruses or bacteria, such as colds, flu, and sinusitis.
Emotions: tension, worry, rage, and excitement can all cause breathing pattern abnormalities and exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Exercise: Physical exercise, especially in cold or dry weather, can cause the airways to temporarily narrow and trigger asthma symptoms.
Medications: Certain medications, such as aspirin, beta-blockers, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), can induce or worsen asthma symptoms.
Other medical diseases that might impact the lungs and airways include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obesity, and hormonal abnormalities.

Information

Asthma is a chronic illness that necessitates ongoing monitoring and treatment. Asthmatics should collaborate with their doctors to create an asthma action plan that details how to manage their illness and avoid or treat asthma attacks. An asthma action plan may include the following items:

Identifying and avoiding triggers: Asthmatics should learn which circumstances aggravate their symptoms and strive to limit their exposure to them.
Medication administration: Asthmatics should take their prescribed medications as advised by their health care providers. Asthma medications are classified into two types: controller medications, which avoid inflammation and minimise the likelihood of asthma episodes, and reliever medications, which provide immediate relief from symptoms during an attack.
Using inhalers: Inhalers are drugs that are delivered directly to the lungs through the mouth. Asthmatics should learn how to properly use their inhalers and keep them clean and accessible at all times.
Monitoring breathing: Asthmatics should check their breathing on a frequent basis using a peak flow metre, which evaluates how well the lungs perform. A peak flow metre can identify indicators of increasing asthma and alert you when it is time to seek medical assistance.
Seeking emergency care: Asthmatics should be aware of the symptoms of a severe asthma attack that necessitates quick medical assistance. Rapid worsening of symptoms, no improvement after taking a reliever inhaler, trouble speaking or walking, pale lips or fingernails, and confusion are all indications.

We want you to be Healthy: 7 Essential Nutrients for Proper Growth and Development | Nutrients Sources | Nutrients Definition | Recommended Daily Nutrition Table

Treatment

Drugs: As previously said, there are various forms of asthma drugs that can be given orally or inhaled. The severity and frequency of symptoms, the patient's age and preferences, and the potential side effects all influence prescription selection.
Allergy shots, often known as immunotherapy, are injections containing trace levels of allergens that induce asthma symptoms. The goal is to gradually desensitise the immune system to these allergens in order to minimise allergic reactions.
Bronchial thermoplasty: a procedure in which heat is used to minimise the quantity of smooth muscle in the airways. This can assist in widening the airways and making them less susceptible to stimuli. Bronchial thermoplasty is often reserved for patients with severe asthma who do not react well to medicines.

Self-care: Asthmatics can take efforts to improve their health and well-being. These are some examples:

Eating a well-balanced diet: A well-balanced diet can contain nutrients and antioxidants that help the immune system and lungs. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, and whole grains are some foods that may help with asthma. Processed meals, dairy products, eggs, seafood, and foods containing sulfites and preservatives are examples of foods that may be detrimental to asthma sufferers.
Drink plenty of water: Drinking can help hydrate the body and thin mucus in the airways, making coughing easier. Water can also aid in the prevention of dehydration, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Regular exercise: Exercise can strengthen the heart, lungs, and muscles, as well as increase blood circulation and oxygen delivery. Exercise can also help to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase immunity. To prevent or treat exercise-induced asthma, people with asthma should visit their health care providers before beginning an exercise programme and follow their asthma action plan.
Quitting smoking: Smoking can harm the lungs and airways, increasing the likelihood of asthma episodes. Smoking can also diminish the efficacy of asthma treatments and make them more susceptible to side effects. Asthmatics should avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure.
Stress management: Stress can cause changes in breathing patterns and hormone levels, which can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms. Stress can also weaken the immune system and cause inflammation. Asthmatics should learn appropriate stress-reduction practises such as relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, hobbies, or counselling.

Conclusion

Asthma is a prevalent chronic illness of the lungs and airways. It causes inflammation and constriction of the tiny airways, making breathing difficult. The frequency and severity of asthma symptoms might vary depending on the individual and the triggers. Asthma can afflict people of any age, but it most commonly begins in childhood. Asthma is a major non-communicable disease (NCD) and a leading cause of death and disability around the world.

Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed with correct therapy. The treatment goal is to minimise inflammation, enhance airflow, avoid complications, and improve quality of life. Medication, allergy injections, bronchial thermoplasty, and self-care may all be used to treat asthma. Asthmatics should collaborate with their doctors to create an asthma action plan that details how to manage their illness and avoid or treat asthma attacks.

Asthma is a chronic illness that necessitates ongoing monitoring and treatment. Asthmatics should learn everything they can about their condition and how to regulate it. People with asthma can live a normal, active, and meaningful life if they follow their asthma action plan and avoid triggers.

What is Asthma? | Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Information