As part of our guide to the most prominent chronic medical conditions, we discussed asthma. In this article, we will take a closer look at the condition, including symptoms, causes, and forms of treatment.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a respiratory condition affecting the lungs and airways. There are currently around 25 million people in the US with asthma. It causes the airways to narrow and may cause the body to produce extra mucus, which contributes to difficulty breathing. Asthma can affect everyone differently, being an annoyance for some and a major, sometimes life-threatening problem for others. As it is a chronic condition, there is no cure for asthma, but it can be treated to make it manageable.
Asthma Symptoms
For people living with asthma, symptoms are likely to vary from person to person. However, in many cases there are certain signs that reveal whether someone has the condition or not. These symptoms may be exacerbated by certain conditions, such as exercise or allergies.
Common symptoms of asthma include:
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness or pain in the chest
- Wheezing when breathing out
- Trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath or coughing
- Frequent coughing, worsened by respiratory viruses
If a doctor suspects someone has asthma, they may first be diagnosed with “reactive airways disease” (RAD). This is a term used to describe conditions in which the lungs overreact to irritants, leading to difficulty breathing. RAD is not always asthma but shares some symptoms.
Asthma Attacks
A person with asthma may experience an asthma attack. This is a short period in which symptoms worsen and can be life-threatening. Sometimes asthma attacks will occur suddenly, whereas on other occasions they develop over several days.
A person may be experiencing an asthma attack if they:
- Are wheezing, coughing, and experience constant chest tightness
- Have a faster than average heartbeat
- Breathe faster than usual
- Struggle to eat, speak, or sleep due to breathlessness
- Experience drowsiness, confusion, exhaustion, or dizziness
- Have blue lips or fingers
- Faint
If a person is experiencing an asthma attack, they should try to remain calm and take regular puffs from their reliever inhaler. It is advised to take one puff every 30 to 60 seconds, up to a total of 10 puffs. If this does not relieve symptoms, it may be time to call an ambulance. A further ten puffs can be taken if symptoms have not eased after ten minutes.
For people experiencing an asthma attack without an inhaler, it is important that they receive medical attention as soon as possible. Even if symptoms improve, however, it is worth visiting a doctor to help identify the cause or prevent a repeat attack.
Causes of Asthma
There is currently no definitive cause of asthma. Research is ongoing, but has pointed to pollution, genetics, and hygiene as possible causes. However, it is known that there are certain factors that increase a person’s likelihood of developing asthma. These include:
- A family history of asthma
- Exposure to tobacco smoke, especially in early age
- Experiencing bronchiolitis, a childhood lung condition
- Premature birth
- Exposure to certain chemicals and/or materials
If a person has asthma, symptoms may be mild unless they are exposed to certain triggers. These triggers can differ between people with asthma depending on their sensitivities. The most common triggers are:
- Exercise
- Weather, including sudden changes in temperature, wind, and humidity
- Smoke and other fumes and pollutants
- Infections, especially those affecting the respiratory system such as cold or flu
- Certain medicines, including anti-inflammatories
- Allergies, including pollen and animal fur
- Mould or damp
Asthma Treatment
As a chronic condition, asthma currently has no cure. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Prevention is the best solution when it comes to asthma.
In most cases, asthma can be controlled with medications. Commonly, a person with asthma will be prescribed an inhaler that is used to administer their medication. This may be in the form of a long-term preventer inhaler or a short-term reliever inhaler. However, pills are available that can help to reduce the symptoms of asthma.
The exact medicine a person with asthma receives will depend on the severity of their condition. A doctor will prescribe whatever is best suited to relieve symptoms.
You can find a list of the various medicines used to treat asthma on the Mayo Clinic website.
In the most severe cases, asthma may need to be treated with surgery. The main surgical treatment is a thermoplasty, in which a flexible tube is placed in your lungs that helps to prevent the airways from narrowing.
Of course, prevention is always better than treatment. A person with asthma should be mindful of their triggers and avoid them where possible. It is also advised that people with asthma do not smoke, as this can further antagonise asthma symptoms.
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