▶️ Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways of the lungs, causing them to become inflamed, narrow and produce excess mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

– Asthma can vary in severity and frequency, and can interfere with daily activities and quality of life. Asthma can also lead to life-threatening attacks if not properly managed.

– The exact causes of asthma are not fully understood, but it is likely that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role. Some people may inherit a tendency to develop asthma from their parents, while others may develop it later in life due to exposure to certain triggers or infections. Asthma triggers are substances or situations that can worsen asthma symptoms or cause an asthma attack.

– Triggers/Causes of Asthma can vary from person to person, but some common ones include:

• Allergens:- such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold and cockroach droppings.

• Irritants:- such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, dust and strong odors.

• Respiratory infections:- such as colds, flu and sinusitis.

• Exercise or physical activity:- especially in cold or dry air.

• Weather changes:- such as cold air, humidity or thunderstorms.

• Emotions:- such as stress, anxiety or laughter.

• Medications:- such as aspirin, beta-blockers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Food additives:- such as sulfites and preservatives.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):- a condition that causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.

SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA

– The symptoms of asthma are the signs that indicate a problem with breathing and the airways. Some of the common symptoms of asthma are:

Wheezing, which is a whistling sound when breathing out.

Breathlessness, which is a feeling of not being able to get enough air, which may feel like a band is squeezing around the chest.

Coughing, which may be persistent, especially at night or early in the morning.

– These symptoms may vary from person to person, and may happen often or only at certain times, such as when exercising or exposed to allergens. These symptoms may also worsen during an asthma attack, which is a sudden or gradual increase in the severity of the symptoms.

– An asthma attack may also cause other signs, such as:

• Being too breathless to eat, speak or sleep.

• Breathing faster than normal.

• Having a fast heartbeat.

• Feeling drowsy, confused, exhausted or dizzy.

• Having blue lips or fingers.

• Fainting.

– If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Asthma can be controlled with medications and by avoiding triggers that cause the symptoms.

DIAGNOSING ASTHMA

– The diagnosis of asthma is based on several factors, including a detailed medical history, a physical exam and lung function tests. A doctor will ask about the symptoms, their frequency and severity, their triggers and their impact on daily life.

– A doctor will also examine the nose, throat and chest for signs of inflammation or infection. Lung function tests are used to measure how well the lungs are working and how they respond to medication.

– Some of the tests include:

1). Spirometry

– This test measures how much air one can exhale after a deep breath and how fast one can breathe out. It can estimate the degree of narrowing of the airways and show if it improves with a bronchodilator (a medication that opens the airways).

2). Peak Flow

– This test measures how hard one can breathe out using a simple device called a peak flow meter. It can indicate how well the asthma is controlled and when it is getting worse.

3). Methacholine Challenge

– This test involves inhaling a substance called methacholine that causes the airways to narrow in people with asthma. It can confirm the diagnosis of asthma if the lung function drops after exposure to methacholine.

4). Imaging Tests

– A chest X-ray or a computed tomography (CT) scan can help rule out other lung conditions that can cause similar symptoms to asthma, such as pneumonia or COPD.

5). Allergy Tests

– Skin tests or blood tests can identify if one is allergic to certain substances that may trigger asthma symptoms, such as pets, dust or pollen.

6). Nitric Oxide Test

– This test measures the amount of nitric oxide gas in one's breath using a special device. Nitric oxide is a marker of inflammation in the airways and may be elevated in people with asthma.

7). Sputum Eosinophils

– This test involves analyzing a sample of sputum (the mixture of saliva and mucus that one coughs up) for the presence of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that is involved in allergic inflammation. Eosinophils may be increased in people with asthma.

TREATMENT OF ASTHMA

– The treatment of asthma aims to control the symptoms, prevent asthma attacks and reduce the risk of complications. The treatment plan is individualized according to the severity and frequency of symptoms, the triggers and the response to medication.

The treatment usually involves two types of medication:

A). Long-term Control Medication

– These are medications that are taken every day to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms from occurring. They include inhaled corticosteroids (such as fluticasone or budesonide), long-acting beta agonists (such as salmeterol or formoterol), leukotriene modifiers (such as montelukast or zafirlukast), theophylline (a tablet that relaxes the airways) and biologics (such as omalizumab or mepolizumab), which are injections that target specific molecules involved in allergic inflammation.

B). Quick-relief Medication

– These are medications that are taken as needed to relieve symptoms when they occur or before exposure to a trigger. They include short-acting beta agonists (such as albuterol or terbutaline), which are inhalers that open the airways quickly; anticholinergics (such as ipratropium), which are inhalers that reduce mucus production; and oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone), which are tablets that reduce inflammation in severe cases.

– The treatment plan may also include other measures, such as:

🔅 Asthma Action Plan

– This is a written document that outlines how to monitor and manage asthma symptoms, how to adjust medication doses, when to seek medical help and what to do in case of an asthma attack. It is based on the color-coded zones of green (good control), yellow (caution) and red (emergency).

🔅 Asthma Education

– This involves learning about asthma, its causes, triggers, symptoms, treatment and prevention. It can help one to understand and cope with the condition better and improve self-management skills.

🔅 Asthma Devices

– These are devices that help deliver medication to the lungs more effectively. They include spacers, which are tubes that attach to inhalers and create a chamber for the medication; nebulizers, which are machines that turn liquid medication into a fine mist; and peak flow meters, which are devices that measure how well the lungs are working.

🔅 Allergy Shots

– These are injections that contain small amounts of allergens that one is allergic to. They are given over a period of time to desensitize the immune system and reduce the allergic response. They may be helpful for people with allergic asthma who do not respond well to medication or who have severe allergies.

🔅 Bronchial Thermoplasty

– This is a procedure that involves applying heat to the airways using a thin tube called a bronchoscope. It reduces the amount of smooth muscle in the airways, which can reduce bronchospasm and improve airflow. It is reserved for people with severe asthma who do not respond well to medication.

PREVENTION OF ASTHMA

– The prevention of asthma involves avoiding or reducing exposure to triggers that can worsen symptoms or cause an asthma attack.

Some of the preventive measures include:

• Keeping the indoor environment clean and free of dust, mold, pet dander and cockroach droppings. This may involve using air filters, humidifiers, vacuum cleaners and allergen-proof bedding.

• Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, which can irritate the airways and increase the risk of asthma.

• Avoiding outdoor air pollution, which can trigger inflammation and bronchospasm. This may involve checking the air quality index and limiting outdoor activities when the pollution level is high.

• Avoiding respiratory infections, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms. This may involve getting vaccinated for influenza and pneumococcal disease, washing hands frequently, avoiding contact with sick people and taking antiviral medication if prescribed.

• Avoiding medications that can cause or worsen asthma symptoms, such as aspirin, beta-blockers or NSAIDs. This may involve consulting with a doctor before taking any new medication or switching to alternative drugs if possible.

• Avoiding food additives that can trigger asthma symptoms, such as sulfites and preservatives. This may involve reading food labels carefully and avoiding processed foods.

• Managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and irritate the airways. This may involve taking medication for GERD, avoiding spicy or fatty foods, eating smaller meals, elevating the head of the bed and avoiding lying down after eating.

• Exercising regularly, but with caution. Exercise can improve lung function and overall health, but it can also trigger exercise-induced asthma in some people. This may involve using a quick-relief inhaler before exercising, warming up and cooling down gradually, avoiding exercise in cold or dry air or when having symptoms, and choosing low-intensity or indoor activities.

General hygiene recommendations for people with asthma include:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of germs that can cause respiratory infections.

• Covering the nose and mouth with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent spreading germs to others or contaminating surfaces.

• Disposing of used tissues in a trash can and washing hands afterward to prevent germs from spreading.

• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, keyboards and phones to remove germs that can cause respiratory infections.

• Cleaning and maintaining asthma devices such as inhalers, spacers, nebulizers and peak flow meters according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure their proper functioning and prevent contamination.

• Storing asthma medication in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve their effectiveness and prevent deterioration.

• Checking the expiration dates of asthma medication and replacing them when needed to ensure their safety and efficacy.

• Seeking medical attention promptly if experiencing any signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough or nasal congestion to prevent complications or worsening of asthma symptoms.

🔅 Can stress cause asthma attack?

– Yes, stress can indeed trigger an asthma attack. Stress-induced asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by stress, which can lead to inflammation within the airways of the lungs and cause an asthma attack. Living with asthma may also cause stress and anxiety, which can further exacerbate asthma symptoms. Symptoms of stress-induced asthma are the same as those of other types of asthma but are triggered by a period of stress.

🔅 What is the difference between asthma and COPD?

– As for the difference between asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), they are both lung conditions but have distinct characteristics and causes. Asthma is usually caused by inflammation and bronchospasms due to allergies, infections, or exertion, and its symptoms can be controlled and often improve with treatment. COPD, often linked to smoking, causes permanent lung damage and breathing difficulties due to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Unlike asthma, COPD symptoms are constant and worsen over time, even with treatment.

– It's important for individuals with these conditions to work closely with healthcare professionals to manage their symptoms effectively.