Asthma

Asthma is a disease characterized by narrowing of the airways, swelling and increased mucus production. This leads to coughing, breathlessness, and whistling sounds when breathing (wheezing). In some people, the symptoms of asthma are not so pronounced. In others, it is a serious problem that affects daily activities and can even lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. There's currently no cure, but there are simple treatments that can help keep the symptoms under control so it does not have a big impact on your life. Asthma complaints are variable, so constant follow-up with your doctor is necessary. He or she will monitor your symptoms and complaints and adjust the prescribed treatment if necessary.

Symptoms

Asthma symptoms are different for everyone. You may experience asthma attacks infrequently, experience symptoms at certain times, such as when you exercise, or experience symptoms all the time.

Signs and symptoms of asthma include:

breathlessness
tightness and pain in the chest
a whistling sound when breathing, which is a common symptom of asthma in children
Insomnia is caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
Coughing fits and wheezing that worsens with colds, flu, and other respiratory viruses.

Signs of an asthma exacerbation are:

Asthma signs and symptoms become more frequent and bothersome
Breathlessness increases, which is measured with a special device and the quality of lung function (peak flowmetry) assessed
The frequency of short-acting bronchodilator use increases

In some cases, signs and symptoms of asthma are detected in certain situations:

Exercise-induced asthma, which may be exacerbated by breathing cold and dry air
Occupational asthma is caused by irritants in the workplace, such as chemical vapors, gases, or dust
Allergic asthma is caused by inhaling various airborne particles such as dust, mold spores, cockroach droppings, pet dander and dried saliva particles.

When should I see a doctor?

Urgent treatment is required

Severe, acute asthma attacks are life-threatening. Consult your doctor beforehand to determine how to proceed if you have these complaints and when emergency medical attention is needed.

Signs that require emergency medical attention:

Rapidly progressive breathlessness and wheezing;
No improvement after the use of a short-acting bronchodilator;
Breathlessness occurs with minimal physical activity.

Consult your doctor if:

You believe you have asthma. Consult your doctor if you have frequent coughing or wheezing that lasts for more than a few days, or other signs or symptoms of asthma. Early treatment of asthma can prevent permanent damage to the lungs and keep the disease from progressing.
Monitor asthma after diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with asthma, keep in regular contact with your doctor to monitor it. Long-term good control can help you feel better every day and prevent life-threatening attacks.
If your asthma symptoms get worse. Contact your doctor right away if the prescribed medicine does not relieve your symptoms or if you use a short-acting bronchodilator more often.

Do not overdose on prescribed medication without consulting your doctor. Overuse of asthma medications causes side effects and worsens the course of asthma. The course of asthma changes over time. Consult your doctor regularly, discuss your complaints, and determine if additional treatment is needed.

Revise your treatment. The course of asthma often changes over time. See your doctor regularly to discuss your symptoms and make any necessary changes in treatment.

Causes

It is not known why people develop asthma, it is most likely due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Asthma triggers

The signs and symptoms of asthma develop as a result of exposure to various irritants and substances that cause allergies (allergens). The asthma triggers are different for everyone and may include:

Various airborne particles such as dust, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and cockroach droppings.

Respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold
Physical activity
Breathing cold air
Inhaling air with polluted and irritating particles, such as tobacco smoke.
Certain medications, including beta-blockers, aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.) and naproxen (Aleve).
Emotional tension and stress
Sulfites and preservatives are found in certain foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruits, processed potatoes, beer and wine.
Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition in which acid from the stomach travels back up the esophagus into the throat.

Risk factors

It is generally accepted that there are many factors that increase the likelihood of developing asthma.

Such factors include:

Having a blood relative with asthma, such as a parent or sibling.
Other allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis, which causes red and itchy skin, and hay fever, which causes runny nose, swollen and itchy eyes
Overweight
Smoking
Secondhand smoke
Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of air pollution
Exposure to occupational irritants, such as agricultural chemicals, working in various factories, or working in a beauty salon.

Complications

Although asthma can normally be kept under control, it's still a serious condition that can cause a number of problems.

Badly controlled asthma can cause problems such as:

Symptoms that interfere with sleep, work, and other activities
Sick days at work or school during an asthma exacerbation
Permanent narrowing of the airways in the lungs (bronchial tree), which affects the act of breathing
The need for emergency medical care and hospitalization during severe, acute asthma attacks
Side effects of some medications used for long periods of time to stabilize severe asthma
Side effects of some medications used for long-term asthma control

Adequate treatment has a major impact on preventing both long-term and short-term complications of asthma.

Prevention

It's impossible to prevent asthma, but you and your doctor can make a step-by-step plan to help you live with your condition and prevent asthma attacks.

Follow your asthma treatment plan. Make a detailed plan for taking your medications and managing asthma attacks with your doctor and healthcare team. Then be sure to follow this plan.

Asthma is a chronic condition that requires regular monitoring and treatment. Taking control of your treatment will help you take control of your life.

Get flu and pneumonia vaccinations. Vaccinations can prevent colds and pneumonia, which in turn trigger asthma attacks.
Identify and avoid asthma triggers. A number of external allergens and irritants such as dust, mold, cold air and polluted environments can trigger asthma attacks. Find out what triggers aggravate asthma and take steps to prevent these triggers.
Monitor your breathing. You can learn to recognize signs of an impending attack, such as a slight cough, wheezing, or breathlessness.

Lung function can decline over time before symptoms appear, so check it regularly at home with a peak flowmeter and record your best expiratory peak flow rate. The peak flow meter measures how hard you can exhale. Your doctor will show you how you can monitor this rate at home.

Early detection and treatment of attacks. If you act quickly, you are less likely to develop a severe acute attack. In addition, you won't need a lot of medicines to manage your symptoms.

A decrease in expiratory peak flow rate is a sign of an impending asthma attack. Follow your doctor's prescriptions and take your medicines, and immediately stop activities that could trigger an attack. If symptoms do not improve as indicated in the action plan - call for medical aid.

Take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Despite improvement, do not change the prescription without first consulting your doctor. It is a good idea to take your medicine with you to every doctor's visit. The doctor will make sure you are taking the medicine correctly and in the right dose.
Pay attention to how often you use your short-acting bronchodilator. If you feel you use short-acting bronchodilators such as albuterol frequently and are dependent on them, then your asthma is not under control. Contact your doctor and discuss treatment.