What is Asthma?

Respiratory Disorder Asthma:

Introduction:

Respiratory diseases, affect the lungs or other parts of the respiratory system. Respiratory diseases are caused by air pollution, smoke or due to other infections.

Types of Respiratory Disorders:

There are two types of respiratory, diseases;

Chronic respiratory diseases
Infectious respiratory diseases

Let us look in detail at the common respiratory disease, Asthma.

Asthma:

It's called bronchial Asthma (Chronic respiratory diseases), it is a disease that affects the lungs. It is a condition in which the airway in our body gets narrowed and swells. This condition leads to more mucus production.

Asthma can cause minor inconvenience for some people, whereas it can be a major problem that interferes with the everyday routine of others.

Asthma can be life-threatening if proper treatment is not provided.

Symptoms of Asthma:

These are some commonly exhibited symptoms of Asthma:

Labored breathing
Wheezing
Sleep problem
Chest pain
Frequent Allergies
Common cold
Feeling cold

Causes and Triggers of Asthma:

Asthma has multiple causes; they are broadly classified into two types –

Allergic: Allergic Asthma is caused due to allergies for various reasons.
Non-allergic: Non-allergic Asthma is triggered by external factors. The symptoms of Asthma may occur in certain situations.

Pollution
Smoking
Household
Genetic
Fatty food
Dust
Pets
Bacteria and Viruses

Occupational Asthma:

Occupational Asthma is triggered when there are chemical fumes, dust or other gases in the workplace.

Exercise-induced Asthma:

Exercise-induced Asthma will affect the person, exhibiting symptoms when a person, performs physical activities or exercises when the air is dry and cold.

Allergy-induced Asthma:

Allergy-induced Asthma is triggered by substances that are airborne like spores, pollen, dust particles, cockroach waste and other micro allergens like dust mites.

Asthma attack:

Normally, when a person breathes, their air pipe is relaxed and allows more air to move in easily. During an Asthma attack, there are three possibilities:

Bronchospasm: This is when the muscles around the airway tighten. The air cannot flow freely when there is constricting in the airways.
Inflammation: The term inflammation is not new to many. It is the swelling of the lining in the airway. When the air is inflated, the air cannot flow freely and cannot let much air out of the lungs.
Mucus Production: During an Asthma attack, the body creates more mucus. The excess mucus is thick and will clog the airway.

Types of Asthma:

Asthma is classified into two types based on the cause and the symptoms;

Intermittent Asthma: Intermittent Asthma is the type of Asthma that shows up in episodes. In between the episodes, a person may feel normal.
Persistent Asthma: Persistent Asthma is when a person has symptoms most of the time. These symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.

Who is at risk of Asthma?

There is very little research on why some people have Asthma while others do not. However, certain factors pose a higher risk of triggering Asthma.

When people have allergies, they can develop a life-threatening health condition. People can develop as many infections when they are exposed to toxins that irritate the airway (Esophagus).

Genetics can also play a role in Asthma or other diseases. Certain respiratory infections can damage the lungs and cause Asthma.

Went to consult a doctor?

Symptoms of Asthma are life-threatening. Medical consultation is mandatory.

When symptoms worsen over time, it can be an emergency need.

Proper medical supervision is needed. A doctor will review the medical history of a person’s family members to know the cause of Asthma.

A doctor will study the person’s symptoms and also ask them to perform a spirometry test. This test will measure the airflow through the lungs.

After the results, the doctor can ask for an X-ray to study the severity of the infection and provide treatment accordingly.

How is Asthma treated?

There are a few ways that can help manage Asthma. They are as follows:

Anti-Inflammatory Medicines:

Anti-inflammatory medicines are prescribed by a doctor to reduce the swelling and the mucus formation in the airway.
The medicines prescribed by a doctor depend on various factors like age, triggers and symptoms.
These medicines make it easier for the air to flow through the lungs and exit. Such medications are prescribed, and a doctor also advises the person to take them every day to control and prevent the symptoms of chronic Asthma.

Bronchodilators:

Bronchodilators or medicines that relax the muscles surrounding the airway.
This medication and air more smoothly through the airway.
The mucus can also move easily in help of the medication.
Usually, these medicines relieve the symptoms of chronic Asthma.

Biologic Therapy for Asthma:

Biologic therapy is used for Asthma if the symptoms continue to persist. This treatment is provided through inhaler therapy.
Medication for Asthma is taken in several ways. A person can breathe the medicines with the help of an inhaler or nebulizer.
Oral medications are also available. The main aim of Asthma treatment is to control the symptoms. Keeping track of the symptoms is an integral part of managing the health condition.