Asthma is one of the common long-term diseases of the lungs, which largely affects daily activities. Though it causes difficulty in breathing, it is controllable with proper medication. Symptoms of asthma may differ from person to person, or in some instances, this may even flare up suddenly. In this respect, knowledge and understanding of asthma are paramount in its management and treatment. World Asthma Day is celebrated on 7th May. It is fundamentally aimed at improving the awareness of the disease, thus encouraging more and more people to learn about its types, symptoms, causes, and treatment methods available!

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a respiratory condition characterised by airway inflammation and narrowing. Millions are annually affected by this condition, which exhibits various signs or symptoms that could interfere with daily activity or the quality of life. This is because of inflammation and constriction of the airway to some provoking agents that are variable from one individual to another.

Types of Asthma

Asthma does not fit in a single box. Some triggers can vary amongst individuals, and the severity level can differ greatly from the next asthmatic. Some common types include -

Allergic Asthma - It is caused by airborne substances such as pollen, mould spores, furry animals, and dust mites.
Non-allergic asthma - It is caused by things, such as cold air, smoke, pollution, strong odours, and many others.
Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) - Symptoms are provoked during or after exercise.
Occupational Asthma - It is caused by inhaling fumes, gases, dust, and other possibly harmful elements in the line of duty.
Adult-Onset Asthma - As the name implies, adult-onset asthma develops in people over 20 years of age and is usually provoked.

Thus, recognising the type of asthma one has will form the basis for their approach to managing the condition and available treatment options.

Symptoms of Asthma

The major classic symptoms of asthma may include a nagging, chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Symptoms may worsen at nighttime or in the early hours, making it difficult for an asthmatic person to enjoy sound sleep. When one experiences symptoms suddenly worsening, this can be particularly alarming and may lead to life-threatening asthma attacks; hence, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Causes of Asthma

The actual cause of asthma is not well understood; however, it is presumed to be associated with a genetic predisposition along with the presence of environmental allergens (such as pollen, house dust mites, moulds, animal dander) and irritants (such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, or cold, dry air) that may lead to an asthma attack. Other factors include exercise, cold air, and viral respiratory infections. Sensitivity to these triggers can vary among individuals and may be relative over time.

Asthma Management

Although not curable, asthma can be controlled with appropriate treatment and avoiding what triggers it. Treatment usually includes relaxing the airways and reducing swelling with medication to make breathing easier. Most commonly, the medication is delivered through devices such as inhalers and nebulizers. Successful asthma management involves monitoring the symptoms and identifying the triggers for a person to avoid severe episodes.

Prevention of Asthma Attacks

The prevention of asthma is key to controlling the disease. It largely involves avoiding the known triggers of the condition and taking the medications as advised. Regular medical checkups at the health provider are key to monitoring the condition and, therefore, making adjustments to the treatment if needed.

Conclusion

Medical treatment for asthma requires management of the patients, meaning there needs to be a good relationship between the patients and the doctors. This involves a change of lifestyle and emotional support because people with asthma can live a normal life but not that which is very active. Some of the main bases for improving the lives of those affected by asthma include awareness and education. Now, with these recent treatments and understandings, these sufferers' quality of life seems to be improved!

Reference link -

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6424-asthma
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653