Everything You Need to Know About Asthma

Breathing is something many of us take for granted, but for millions worldwide, every breath can be a struggle. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that affects people of all ages, makes the simple act of breathing a daily challenge. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of asthma: its causes, symptoms, treatments, and how individuals can manage this condition.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition which affects the airways in the lungs. The airways carry air in and out of the lungs, when you have asthma however this passage becomes compromised. The airways become inflamed and narrowed which makes it harder for air to flow out of the airways. Asthma can affect people of all ages, but often starts during childhood.

Symptoms of asthma

The symptoms of asthma can vary from person to person and from children to adults, but they can include the following:

• Wheezing – this is most prevalent in children, and may sound like a whistling sound when you breathe out.
• Coughing – this can worsen during the night or early in the morning.
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest – sometimes pain too.

These symptoms often follow a pattern too. You may notice that they come and go overtime or within the same day, worsen with a viral infection and become triggered by factors such as cold weather and exercise.

What is an asthma attack?

When these symptoms worsen, it can trigger an asthma attack. You may notice other symptoms such as becoming too breathless to speak, eat or sleep, your breathing becomes faster and your inhaler or other treatment methods are not helping. This can happen gradually or quickly and is life threatening.

If you think you are experiencing an asthma attack, you should do the following:

1. Try your best to stay calm
2. Sit up straight – this will allow better air flow into. the lungs
3. If your symptoms worsen you call 999 immediately

An asthma action plan can be highly beneficial if this occurs, it can tell what medicines to take, what to do if your symptoms worsen and what steps to take when you have an asthma attack.

What can trigger asthma?

There are a range of factors that can trigger asthma symptoms, these include:

• Allergies – common allergies include dust mites, pollen, cold and pet dander.
• Environmental irritants – smoke from cigarettes, air pollution such as smog, chemicals and wood fires.
• Other medical conditions – Sinus infections, pregnancy, rhinitis, obesity and more.
• Exercise – physical activity can affect asthma, but with proper treatment you should still be able to do exercise as it important for everyone to stay fit and healthy.
• Weather – dry or cold air can trigger asthma symptoms.

Treatment

There is no cure for asthma, but there are several different treatment methods that can ease the symptoms. These are:

Inhalers

There are 3 different kinds of inhalers available that can aid in easing the symptoms of asthma. The first being a a reliever inhaler. This is the most common form of treatment, and are recognised by their distinct blue colour. A reliever inhaler can be used 3 or more times a week and should be used when you notice any of your symptoms occurring.

The second type of inhaler is a preventer inhaler. This has to be used on a daily basis to reduce any inflammation or sensitivity in the airways which ultimately, prevents any symptoms from occurring. They contain steroids and can be used with a spacer, a plastic hollow tube that can be attached to the inhaler.

The third type is a combination inhaler that is also used on a daily basis. It uses a combination of the ingredients in a preventer and reliever inhaler to provide long lasting relief of symptoms.

Tablets

If inhalers alone are not effective, you may be prescribed various tablets. This includes Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs), Theophylline or steroid tablets.