Asthma: All you need to know

Asthma is a very common condition that affects millions of people around the world. According to the Global Burden of Disease collaboration in 2019, asthma affects as many as 262 million people worldwide. 

This chronic disease makes breathing difficult and can cause symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about asthma. We’ll talk about the different types of asthma, like allergic asthma and exercise-induced asthma, and how they affect people.

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What is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition that affects your lungs and makes it hard to breathe. It causes the airways in your lungs to become inflamed and narrow, which leads to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Asthma can affect people of all ages, but it often starts in childhood. When asthma symptoms get worse suddenly, it’s called an asthma attack.

Types of Asthma

There are different kinds of asthma, and understanding them can help in managing the condition better:

• Allergic Asthma: This type is triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. If you have allergic asthma, you might notice your symptoms get worse during certain seasons or in specific environments.
• Exercise-Induced Asthma: Physical activity can trigger asthma symptoms in some people. You might feel fine at rest but start wheezing or coughing when you exercise.
• Occupational Asthma: This type of asthma is triggered by something at your workplace, such as chemicals, dust, or fumes.
• Atopic Asthma: Often linked to other allergic conditions like eczema or hay fever, atopic asthma is triggered by allergens.
• Intrinsic Asthma: This type is not related to allergies. Instead, it might be triggered by stress, cold air, or infections.
• Cough Variant Asthma: The main symptom of this type is a chronic cough, without the typical wheezing.
• Cardiac Asthma: Although it’s not true asthma, this condition involves wheezing and shortness of breath due to heart problems.
• Brittle Asthma: A severe form of asthma that can cause sudden and unpredictable attacks.
• Type 2 Asthma: Involves a specific type of inflammation in the airways and may respond to certain targeted treatments.
• Chronic Asthma: This refers to asthma that is long-lasting and requires ongoing management.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Common Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma can cause a variety of symptoms that can vary from person to person. Here are some common signs of asthma to watch out for:

• Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound when you breathe.
• Coughing: This can be worse at night or early in the morning and can sometimes be the only symptom.
• Shortness of Breath: Feeling like you can’t catch your breath or that you’re out of breath easily.
• Chest Tightness: A feeling that your chest is being squeezed or that there’s pressure on your chest.

These symptoms can be mild or severe and can sometimes go away on their own or after using asthma medication.

Signs of Asthma in Adults

For adults, asthma symptoms can be a bit different and might include:

• Persistent Cough: Especially at night or early in the morning.
• Shortness of Breath During Exercise: Even light physical activity can cause breathlessness.
• Frequent Respiratory Infections: Adults with asthma may experience more colds and other respiratory infections.
• Chest Tightness and Pain: This can be more noticeable and persistent in adults.

Diagnosing Asthma

Diagnosing asthma involves several steps and tests. Here’s how doctors usually figure out if you have asthma:

• Medical History and Physical Exam: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and any family history of asthma or allergies.
• Lung Function Tests: These tests measure how well your lungs are working. Two common tests are:some text
  • Spirometry: You breathe into a machine that measures how much air you can blow out and how fast you can do it.
  • Peak Flow Meter: A small, handheld device that measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. The peak expiratory flow rate is helpful in monitoring your asthma.
• Allergy Tests: If your doctor suspects that allergies are triggering your asthma, they might recommend allergy tests.
• Methacholine Challenge Test: If your initial tests are normal, but you still have symptoms, this test might be used. Methacholine makes the airways narrow if asthma is present.

Using Peak Flow Meters

A peak flow meter is a simple device that measures how well your lungs are able to expel air. Here’s how to use it:

1. Stand or Sit Up Straight: Make sure you are in a comfortable position.
2. Take a Deep Breath: Fill your lungs with as much air as possible.
3. Blow Into the Meter: Exhale as hard and fast as you can into the device.
4. Read the Number: This number is your peak expiratory flow. Keeping track of these numbers can help you and your doctor monitor your asthma.

Triggers and Causes

Asthma Triggers

Asthma can be triggered by many different things. Knowing what triggers your asthma can help you avoid attacks. Here are some common asthma triggers:

• Allergens: Things like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold can trigger allergic asthma.
• Irritants: Smoke, pollution, strong odors, and chemical fumes can irritate your airways.
• Cold Air: Breathing in cold air can cause your airways to tighten.
• Exercise: Physical activity can cause exercise-induced asthma.
• Respiratory Infections: Colds, flu, and other respiratory infections can worsen asthma symptoms.
• Stress and Emotions: Strong emotions, such as stress, anxiety, or laughter, can trigger asthma symptoms.
• Medications: Some medications, like aspirin or beta-blockers, can trigger asthma in some people.

Causes of Asthma in Adults

• Genetics: If asthma runs in your family, you’re more likely to develop it.
• Allergies: Having allergies increases your risk of asthma.
• Respiratory Infections: Frequent respiratory infections during childhood can affect lung function and increase the risk of asthma.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to pollution, smoke, and other environmental factors can contribute to asthma.
• Occupational Hazards: Certain jobs expose workers to chemicals, dust, or fumes that can trigger occupational asthma.

Asthma and Coughing

Coughng is a common symptom of asthma and can sometimes be the only symptom. This is known as cough variant asthma. The cough is usually dry and persistent, and it can be worse at night or early in the morning.

Asthma and Bronchitis

Asthma and bronchitis are both conditions that affect the airways, but they are different. Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Bronchitis is an infection or irritation of the bronchial tubes. However, having asthma can increase your risk of developing bronchitis, and the two conditions can occur together, making it harder to breathe.

Conclusion

Living with asthma can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can manage it effectively. Understanding the different types of asthma, recognizing symptoms, knowing what triggers your attacks, and following the proper treatments are all crucial steps.

Remember, using medications like asthma inhalers, following preventive measures, and making lifestyle changes can significantly improve your quality of life. Always keep track of your symptoms with a peak flow meter, avoid known triggers, and have an action plan for asthma attacks.

If you or someone you know is struggling with asthma, consider reaching out for support. Managing asthma doesn’t have to be a solo journey. At Pharmarun, we are dedicated to helping you access the medications and resources you need to manage your asthma. Visit our website today to learn more about how we can help you stay on top of your asthma and live a healthier, easier life.