Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by airway hyperactivity to various external and internal stimuli and manifested as recurrent episodes of intermittent reversible airway obstruction. It makes breathing difficult and can make some physical activities challenging or even impossible. Symptoms occur when the lining of airways swell and the muscles around them tighten. The mucus then fills the airways, further reducing the amount of air that can pass through. It can be controlled but not cured.
Symptoms of Asthma
The most common symptom is wheezing or a whistling sound made when you breathe.
Coughing, especially at night, when laughing or during exercise Shortness of breath, Tightness in the chest, Difficulty talking and fatigue.
The type of asthma that you have can determine which symptoms you experience. Not everyone with asthma will experience these particular symptoms.
There are many different types of asthma.
The most common type is bronchial asthma. which affects the bronchi in the lungs.
Childhood asthma
Adult-onset asthma.
Allergic asthma (extrinsic asthma)
Allergic asthma (extrinsic asthma) is triggered by allergens such as pet dander from animals like cats and dogs, food, pollen and dust.
Non-allergic asthma (intrinsic asthma)
Non-allergic asthma (intrinsic asthma) is triggered by irritants in the air not related to allergies such as burning wood, cigarette smoke, cold air, air pollution, perfumes and air fresheners.
Occupational asthma
Occupational asthma is induced by triggers in the workplace like dust, dyes, gases and fumes and chemicals.
Exercise-induced asthma
Exercise-induced asthma usually affects people within a few minutes of starting exercise and up to 10-15 minutes after physical activity.
Aspirin-induced asthma
Aspirin-induced asthma is triggered by taking aspirin or another NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
Nocturnal asthma
Nocturnal asthma is triggered by pet dander, dust mites as well as body’s natural sleep cycle. In this type of asthma, symptoms worsen at night.
Cough-variant asthma.
Cough-variant asthma doesn’t have classic asthma symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath. It’s characterized by a persistent, dry cough.
No single cause has been identified. There are a variety of factors. They are, genetics - If a parent or sibling has asthma, you are more likely to develop it, history of viral infections, hygiene hypothesis- When babies aren’t exposed to enough bacteria in their early months and years, their immune systems don’t become strong enough to fight off asthma.
Treatments
There are specific treatments for asthma. They are medications, inhalers (Reliever inhalers / Preventer inhalers) and physiotherapy treatments like breathing exercises, aerobic conditioning exercises and relaxation techniques.
Following tips may aid to manage asthma attacks.
Keep your rescue inhaler available all the times.
Know your allergens and avoid them.
Avoid getting sick and stress.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
Adapt to dietary changes.
Punsala Priyadarshani
References
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