World Asthma Day 2023: Know about common triggers and ways to control them

Pulmonology | Posted on 05/05/2023 by RBH

Do you often experience trouble breathing? If yes, then it can be an indication that you might have asthma. It is a long-term condition causing inflammation and muscles tightening across the airways in the lungs, causing narrow air passages. As a consequence, you might be experiencing shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, etc. It is important to get in touch with the doctor on time for proper diagnosis.

In this blog, we will illustrate in detail about asthma, but before we move on to the discussion we will talk about World Asthma Day. It is an annual event celebrated by the global initiative for Asthma since 1993. The main aim of this event is raising awareness among people experiencing asthma and educating people about the health condition and its treatment.

Kindly note that this blog is for informative purposes only and doesn’t interfere with the doctor’s consultation.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a long-term inflammatory condition of the airways to the lungs. This condition occurs due to inflammation and mucus in the airways lining. During an attack, the patient experiences issues like wheezing, whistling sound, or trying to breathe including other symptoms. People with asthma find difficulty when trying to do certain physical activities that are challenging for them, in fact, impossible. With on-time diagnosis and right treatment, asthma symptoms can be managed.

How to identify the asthma symptoms?

One of the most common asthma symptoms is wheezing. It is a whistling or squealing sound that happens when the patient is breathing. Here are other symptoms of asthma:

• Chest tightening
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Fast breathing
• Regular infections
• Coughing mainly at night or when laughing, or exercising
• Shortness of breath
• Problem while talking
• Anxiety or panic attack
• Trouble sleeping

The asthma type can only determine the severity of symptoms an individual experiences. Some people might experience them throughout the day, while for some people certain activities trigger the symptoms. Not every patient with asthma comes across these symptoms. If a person feels that the symptoms are indicating asthma, it is important to visit a doctor right away.

One should also remember that well-managed asthma can also trigger the symptoms even if it is occasionally. Triggers can be improved with quick acting treatment options such as using an inhaler, however, in certain cases, there might be need for urgent medical attention.

What causes asthma?

According to researchers, no single asthma cause has been identified as of now. In fact, they believe that it is caused by number of factors which includes:

• Genetics- If a parent or sibling is diagnosed with asthma, there are chances that the condition is passed on to next generations
• Viral infections history- People having severe viral infections history during childhood like respiratory syncytial virus infection are at greater risk of developing the condition
• Allergies- People who have any kind of allergies are also at high risk of developing asthma
• Environmental factors- People can experience asthma if they are exposed to factors irritating the airways. There are substances such as fumes, toxins, allergens, smoking, and passive smoking. It can be very dangerous to children and infants since they have low immunity

There are other asthma causes as well such as dust, pollen, and pollution. It is recommended to consult the pulmonologist as soon as the asthma symptoms are noticed.

What are the triggers of asthma?

Asthma is primarily caused by substances and healthcare experts call them as triggers. Getting familiar with these triggers helps in avoiding asthma attacks. For some individuals, a trigger can bring on an attack immediately, while for others, it might take hours or even days. There are different triggers and they can be different for every individual:

• Air pollution
• Dust mites
• Exercise
• Pests
• Pets
• Tobacco or smoke
• Strong chemicals or smells
• Occupational exposures

How is asthma diagnosed?

To confirm asthma diagnosis, the healthcare provider will first begin with reviewing the patient’s medical history which includes information about siblings and parents. The doctor will start treatment depending on the symptoms. The most important step to diagnose asthma is the history of eczema, allergies, and other lung illnesses.

The doctor might order a spirometry test as it assists in measuring airflow through the patient's lungs. This test is helpful in diagnosing and monitoring progress with treatment. Your doctor might also order a blood test, chest x-ray, or skin test.

What are asthma treatment options?

There is no cure available for asthma treatment, however, there are options to manage asthma. The doctor involves prescribing medication as part of the treatment. Here are the medications which are usually recommended:

• Bronchodilators- It is useful in relaxing the muscles across airways. The relaxed muscles ensures letting the airways move air. It also allows the mucus to move easily through the airways. With this medication, the patient will feel relieved with their asthma symptoms when they occur. It is recommended to treat intermittent and chronic asthma
• Anti-inflammatory medicines- The purpose of recommending this medication is that it helps in reducing swelling and production of mucus in airways. The patient can feel that air is entering easily and exiting the lungs. The doctor might instruct to take it every daily to avert the chronic asthma symptoms
• Biologic asthma therapies- This option is used to treat asthma when symptoms occur despite appropriate inhaler therapy.

The patient can take these medications in different ways. One can also breathe them with the use of metered-dose inhaler, nebuliser, or other asthma inhaler type. They can also be recommended in oral form so that it can be swallowed.

Conclusion

If you are diagnosed with asthma, then make sure to consult an expert pulmonologist right away. You don’t have to get apprehensive thinking that you won’t be able to lead your normal life. A lot of people with asthma lead normal lives by managing the symptoms. Your doctor will assist you with the finest ways for managing the symptoms. Make sure to keep in touch with your doctor to control the symptoms.

You can get in touch with Rukmani Birla Hospital, one of the best multispeciality hospitals in Jaipur offering the most exceptional patient care. With the assistance of highly talented and experienced pulmonologists, you can find the best treatment depending on the symptoms.

FAQs

 

Is asthma curable?

 

There is no cure available for asthma, however, treatment options are there to manage the symptoms.

Is asthma contagious?

No, asthma is not contagious. It isn't transmitted from one person to another.

Is asthma genetic?

Yes, asthma is a genetic condition and passed on to generations.

What drink is good for asthma?

You can include a variety of drinks for asthma such as ginger tea, eucalyptus tea, black tea, breathe-easy tea, licorice tea, and mullein tea.