Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs. In this the windpipe or the airways get narrowed when they are exposed to different factors called allergens or triggers. Asthma causes airways to be extra sensitive. This means the airways react easily and strongly to contact with a trigger. People with asthma usually have difficulty in breathing. It is common and anybody can develop it. It is the most common problem among children.
What causes asthma?
The symptoms of asthma are caused by substances called ‘asthma triggers’ or allergens. In a person with asthma, the airways are narrow as a result of ongoing irritation. During an asthma flare-up, muscles surrounding the airway tubes, or bronchi, tighten. This increases mucus production and makes the airways narrower.
Allergens:
These allergens are substances that trigger asthma. These are substances that are present in our day-to-day life. Allergens and allergic response vary from person to person. They may be of different types:
- Infections, such as a cold or flu caused by viruses
- Some kind of food substances like peanuts, processed foods, and shrimp or drinks like beer, wine.
- Pollution mainly air pollution
- Cigarette smoke
- Cold weather
- House dust and dust mites
- Fur and feathers from pets or animals
- Pollen
- Physical exertion like climbing stairs, playing tiring games.
- Medicines that may be allergic
- Some changes that happens during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
The main symptoms of asthma are:
- Coughing
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing- it is the whistling sound that is heard while breathing.
- Production of excess mucus
- Disturbed sleep
Symptoms of asthma get worse in the early morning and during the night. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Some people have all the symptoms. While others have few.
How is asthma diagnosed?
To diagnose asthma and distinguish it from other lung disorders, the following tests are required:
(pulmonary function tests)
Spirometry (using an instrument that measures the air taken into and out of the lungs)
Peak flow monitoring (another measure of lung function)
Chest X-rays
Blood tests
Allergy tests
Asthma is diagnosed primarily by a history of symptoms, such as coughing or wheezing, that occur with physical activity or as a result of exposure to triggers. Pulmonary function tests are simple breathing tests that are often used to measure breathing limitations. Sometimes chest X-rays can show air trapped in the lungs. This occurs in long-term asthma.
What are the treatment options?
Two types of medications are used to treat asthma:
- quick relief medicines are medicines that give relief immediately.
- long term controlling medicines. These medicines control asthma for a longer duration.
Quick-relief medications prevent or help reduce the tightening of the muscles around the bronchial tubes, called bronchoconstriction. They also help in relieving cough and difficulties in breathing when an asthma attack sets in.
Long-term medication when used over prolonged periods of time control asthma better and prevent further attacks.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Effective treatment of asthma reduces inflammation and tightening, bringing relief of symptoms. Successful treatment allows people with asthma to enjoy a full life without significant breathing problems.
Inhalation Therapy – some facts
The inhalation therapy is commonly practiced worldwide to keep asthma in check and under control. Inhalers are used, as they help the medicine reach your lungs directly, they work faster.
Inhalers give quick relief using the minimum amount of medicine. In fact, with inhalation therapy, you need only one-tenth, or even less, of the medication. With very little medicine reaching the other parts of your body, inhalation therapy is the safest.