Asthma

Symptoms

• Shortness of breath: This can range from mild to severe, and it may get worse with physical activity.
• Wheezing: This is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when breathing out, and it is caused by the narrowing of the airways.
• Coughing: This can be a persistent cough, particularly at night or early in the morning, and it may produce phlegm or mucus.
• Chest tightness: This can feel like a constriction or pressure in the chest, and it can range from mild to severe.
• Difficulty speaking: This can occur if the asthma symptoms are severe and the individual is having difficulty breathing.

Causes

• Allergens: Exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals.
• Irritants: Exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes can trigger asthma symptoms.
• Respiratory infections: Respiratory infections such as the common cold or flu can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals.
• Physical activity: Physical activity can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals, particularly if they are not adequately warmed up.
• Weather: Changes in weather, such as cold air or high humidity, can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals.
• Stress: Stress can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals.

Risk factors

• Family history: Individuals with a family history of asthma or allergies are more at risk of developing asthma.
• Allergies: Individuals with allergies, particularly allergies to allergens such as pollen and dust mites, are at an increased risk of developing asthma.
• Respiratory infections: Individuals who have had frequent respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu, may be at an increased risk of developing asthma.
• Preterm birth: Individuals who were born prematurely are at an increased risk of developing asthma.
• Exposure to tobacco smoke: Exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy or early childhood can increase the risk of developing asthma.
• Male gender: Male individuals are more at risk of developing asthma than female individuals.

Complications

• Asthma attacks: Asthma attacks, also known as asthma exacerbations, are episodes of increased asthma symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
• Hospitalization: Severe asthma attacks may require hospitalization for treatment.
• Damage to the airways: If asthma is not properly managed, the airways can become damaged over time, leading to permanent changes in lung function.
• Poor quality of life: Asthma can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life, as it can cause difficulty breathing and other symptoms that can interfere with daily activities.
• Increased risk of respiratory infections: Individuals with asthma may be at an increased risk of respiratory infections due to the inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

How to diagnose it?

• Physical exam: A physical exam can help a healthcare provider assess an individual's overall health and check for signs of asthma, such as wheezing and a persistent cough.
• Medical history: A healthcare provider will ask about the individual's medical history, including any allergies, exposures to irritants, and respiratory symptoms the individual has experienced.
• Lung function tests: These tests measure how well the individual's lungs are functioning by measuring the amount of air the individual can exhale and how quickly the individual can exhale it.
• Allergy tests: Allergy tests can help identify allergens that may trigger asthma symptoms.
• Exercise challenge test: This test involves having the individual exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike to see if it triggers asthma symptoms.
• Methacholine challenge test: This test involves inhaling a substance called methacholine to see if it triggers asthma symptoms.

How to prevent it?

• Avoiding allergens: If allergies are a trigger for your asthma, it is important to avoid exposure to allergens as much as possible. This may involve keeping your home free of allergens such as dust and pet dander, and taking steps to reduce your exposure to outdoor allergens such as pollen.
• Avoiding irritants: If irritants such as tobacco smoke and air pollution trigger your asthma, it is important to avoid exposure to these substances as much as possible. This may involve avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, and staying indoors on days when air pollution is high.
• Getting vaccinated: Vaccines can protect against certain respiratory infections, which can be a trigger for asthma. It is especially important for individuals with asthma to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
• Using medications as prescribed: If you have been prescribed medications for your asthma, it is important to take them as directed by your healthcare provider. This can help prevent asthma symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
• Monitoring your asthma: It is important to monitor your asthma and be aware of your symptoms. If you notice an increase in your symptoms or if you have an asthma attack, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

When you need to see a doctor?

It is important to see a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your asthma or if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Shortness of breath, particularly with physical activity
• Chest tightness or pain
• Difficulty sleeping due to asthma symptoms
• It is also important to see a healthcare provider if you have an asthma attack, which is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening if not treated promptly, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have an asthma attack. 

It is also important to see a healthcare provider regularly to manage your asthma and to make sure that your treatment plan is working effectively. This may involve adjusting your medications or making lifestyle changes to help manage your asthma. 

By seeing a healthcare provider regularly and seeking medical attention for any concerning symptoms, you can help manage your asthma and reduce the risk of complications.

FAQs