Asthma Symptoms, Diagnosis, Management & Treatment
One of the main chronic non-communicable diseases that affect both children and adults is asthma. It is a long-term chronic condition that has no cure. Asthma is a condition that can make it difficult for the patient to breathe and may also hinder day-to-day activities.
To learn more about asthma disease, diagnosis and treatment please keep reading.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is an inflammatory lung disease that causes narrowing and swelling of the airways. The airways get blocked by mucus in asthma, making it difficult for the patient to breathe. Asthma disease is otherwise also known as bronchial asthma and it can become life-threatening if not treated properly.
Symptoms Of Asthma
The symptoms of asthma disease differ from one person to another. One of the most common symptoms of asthma is wheezing. The symptoms of asthma experienced by the patient depends upon the type of asthma disease. Some of the signs and symptoms of asthma include,
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Coughing at night, while laughing or while working out
- Trouble talking
- Fatigue
- Pain in the chest
- Trouble sleeping due to improper breathing
- Rapid breathing
What Are The Causes Of Asthma?
The exact cause behind asthma is not known yet. However, there are a few risk factors that are associated with asthma. These factors include the following,
- Genetic factor: A family history of asthma acts as a potential risk factor.
- Allergies: Having any kind of allergy may also increase the risk.
- Respiratory infections: Having certain respiratory infections like respiratory syncytial virus (RSC) may also act as a risk factor of developing asthma.
Asthma Triggers To Watch Out For
There are certain potential triggers that may cause an asthma attack. Asthma triggers might either cause a sudden attack or it might take a few days for the attack to happen. These asthma triggers vary from one patient to another. The various triggers of asthma include,
- Exercising
- Mold exposure
- Pests
- Air pollution
- Dust mites
- Stress or other strong emotion
- Pollen
- Certain medications like NSAIDs
- Strong smell from chemicals or perfumes
Management and Treatment of asthma
There are various medications available to treat asthma. The treatment provided for asthma, usually aims at providing quick relief from the symptoms (symptomatic management). The medications used to treat asthma include,
- Bronchodilators: These medications work by relaxing the airway muscles, to improve the movement of air. Bronchodilators provide quick relief from asthma symptoms. They are mostly administered through an inhaler or a nebulizer. But they may be taken orally or through an injection.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: These medications work by reducing the production of mucus in the airways. They also reduce airway swelling, making it easier for the air to pass.
- Biologics: These are prescribed in case of severe asthma when the condition doesn’t respond properly to any other treatment method.
Conclusion
Asthma is an inflammatory lung disease that belongs to the group of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Most people are prone to get asthma. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Hence, it is better to notice its symptoms right away and stay away from its various triggers which include dust, pollution, stress or other strong emotion, pollen, certain medications like NSAIDs, and strong smell from chemicals or perfumes.
“Asthma Is Treatable And Well Can Be Controlled”
