Asthma is a chronic lung disease which is associated with inflammation and narrowing of the airways, thus making breathing difficult. When asthma is severe, the patient might find it hard to talk or be otherwise active. Asthma is also referred to as “bronchial asthma” which usually doesn’t go away and requires continued medical management. Asthma can be persistent or intermittent and have allergic or non-allergic causes.

What are the known causes of asthma?

Causes of asthma vary from person to person. The factors presenting higher risk include:

Allergies: Having allergies elevates the risk of asthma.
Environmental factors: Atmospheric substances like toxins, allergens, fumes and second-hand smoke can irritate the airways, particularly in infants and children with semi-developed immune systems.
Family history: In case there is a family history of asthma or allergic diseases, the person is at a higher risk of developing asthma.
Respiratory infections: respiratory infections, commonly viral, are known to worsen/exacerbate asthma.

Common triggers for asthma

Triggers also differ from person to person. Some common triggers are:

Respiratory Infections: are among the common causes of exacerbation of asthma.
Air pollution: This can include outdoor factors like car exhaust fumes, factory emissions or wildfire smokes.
Dust mites: These bugs are often not visible, but if you are allergic to dust mites, you might have an asthma attack.
Exercising: Some people can experience an asthma attack while exercising.
Mold: Growing in damp places, mold can trigger an asthma attack, even in those not allergic to it.
Pests: Cockroaches, mice and even household pets (if you are allergic to pet dander) can trigger asthma attacks.
Cigarette smoke: When someone is smoking near you, particularly in a closed space, there is a high risk of developing asthma.
Strong chemicals: Sometimes, any overpowering smell or strong chemicals can trigger an asthma attack.
Occupational hazards: Exposure to certain substances at the workplace like cleaning products, wood or floor dust or other chemicals can also trigger an attack.

symptoms of asthma

What are the known symptoms of asthma?

Tightness or pain in the chest
Coughing, which gets worse at night
Shortness of breath
Wheezing

What are the treatment options to manage asthma?

Bronchodilators: These medicines are used to relax the muscles around the airways, which can allow better air flow. They also facilitate easier movement of mucus through the airways and are used in both intermittent and chronic asthma.
Anti-inflammatory drugs: These medicines help ensure easier entry and exit of air through the lungs by reducing swelling and mucus production in the airways. These reduce the inflammation around the airways, and have long term benefits too.
Biologic therapies: Used in severe asthma when inhaler therapy alone can’t manage symptoms.

The goal of asthma treatment is to control the symptoms so that you have minimum discomfort, not having to use your inhaler often, sleep peacefully without wheezing and able to remain active and work as normally as possible.