Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. It can develop at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood.
Causes of Asthma
The exact cause of asthma is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Genetic Factors
Asthma has a strong genetic component, meaning that if one or both of your parents have it, you have a higher risk of developing the condition. Research has shown that certain genes are more common in people with asthma, and scientists are still working to identify all of the genes associated with the condition.
Environmental Factors
There are several environmental factors that can increase the risk of developing asthma, including:
- Exposure to air pollution
- Allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, and mold
- Irritants, such as cigarette smoke and chemicals
- Childhood respiratory infections
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Obesity
Allergens
Allergens are substances that can cause an allergic reaction in some people, and they can also trigger asthma symptoms. Common allergens that can trigger include:
- Dust mites
- Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
- Mold
- Animal dander
- Cockroaches
Irritants
Irritants are substances that can cause irritation and inflammation in the airways, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Common irritants that can trigger include:
- Cigarette smoke
- Air pollution
- Chemicals
- Perfumes
- Cleaning products
Infections
Respiratory infections, such as the common cold and flu, can trigger asthma symptoms in some people. These infections can cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing.
Obesity
Obesity can increase the risk of developing asthma, and it can also make symptoms worse. Studies have shown that people who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop asthma, and they are also more likely to have severe symptoms.
It’s important to note that not all people have the same triggers and not everyone with the same triggers will have asthma. However, understanding the potential causes can help with identifying and avoiding potential triggers, which can help reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
Symptoms of Asthma
The symptoms of asthma can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe.
Common Symptoms
The most common symptoms include:
- Wheezing: a whistling or whistling sound when breathing, especially during exhalation.
- Coughing: a persistent cough, especially at night or early in the morning.
- Shortness of breath: feeling of tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing.
- Chest tightness: a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms can include:
- Trouble sleeping due to coughing or wheezing.
- Fatigue or weakness.
- Rapid breathing.
- Difficulty speaking due to shortness of breath.
- Trouble breathing, especially during physical activity.
- Difficulty catching your breath after laughing or crying.
Symptoms of a Severe Asthma Attack
In some cases, asthma symptoms can worsen, leading to a severe asthma attack. Symptoms of a severe asthma attack can include:
- Severe wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing and difficulty speaking
- Chest pain or tightness
- Bluish color of the lips or face
- Fatigue or confusion
- Rapid heartbeat
It’s important to note that symptoms can change over time and can also vary depending on the time of day or the season. Some people may have symptoms every day, while others may only have symptoms occasionally.
Diagnosis of Asthma
The diagnosis of asthma can be challenging as the symptoms can be similar to those of other respiratory conditions, and can also vary from person to person.
Medical History and Physical Exam
The first step in diagnosing asthma is a thorough medical history and physical exam. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, when they occur, and what makes them better or worse. They will also ask about your personal and family medical history, including any history of allergies or other respiratory conditions. During the physical exam, your healthcare provider will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for wheezing and other signs of asthma.
Lung Function Tests
To confirm a diagnosis of asthma, your healthcare provider may also perform lung function tests. These tests measure how well your lungs are working and can help determine the severity of your asthma.
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) measures how much air you can inhale and exhale and how quickly you can exhale. These tests can help determine how well your airways are working and how severe your asthma is.
Spirometry
Spirometry is a type of PFT that measures how much air you can inhale and exhale and how quickly you can exhale. This test can help determine how well your airways are working and how severe your asthma is.
Peak Flow Measurement
Peak flow measurement is a test that measures how well air is flowing out of your lungs. This test can help determine how well your airways are working and can also be used to monitor your asthma over time.
Allergy Tests
Allergy tests may be performed to identify allergens that may be triggering your asthma symptoms. These tests can include skin tests or blood tests. Identifying allergens can help with avoiding those triggers, which can help reduce asthma symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
Imaging Tests
In some cases, your healthcare provider may order imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, to check for other causes of your symptoms, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or a lung infection.
Treatment of Asthma
The goal of asthma treatment is to control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. There is no cure for asthma, but with proper management, most people with asthma are able to lead normal, active lives.
Medications
Medications are the foundation of asthma treatment. There are two types of medications used to treat asthma: quick-relief medications and long-term control medications.
Quick-Relief Medications
Quick-relief medications, also known as rescue medications, are used to relieve symptoms during an asthma attack. These medications include:
- Short-acting beta agonists (SABAs): These medications relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe. They work quickly and can provide relief within minutes.
- Anticholinergics: These medications also help to relax the muscles around the airways and can provide relief within minutes.
Long-Term Control Medications
Long-term control medications are used to prevent asthma symptoms and attacks. These medications include:
- Inhaled corticosteroids: These medications reduce inflammation in the airways, making it less likely for symptoms to occur.
- Leukotriene modifiers: These medications block the action of certain chemicals that can cause inflammation in the airways.
- Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs): These medications relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Theophylline: This medication helps to relax the muscles around the airways and can also help to improve lung function.
Allergy Medications
If allergies are triggering your asthma symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend allergy medications. These medications can include:
- Antihistamines: These medications block the action of histamine, a chemical that can cause allergic symptoms.
- Decongestants: These medications can help to relieve nasal congestion.
- Immunomodulators: These medications can help to change the way your immune system responds to allergens.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can also help to control asthma symptoms. These changes include:
- Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers can help to reduce the number of asthma attacks.
- Staying active: Regular physical activity can help to improve lung function and control asthma symptoms.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can make asthma symptoms worse.
- Not smoking: Smoking can cause inflammation in the airways and can make asthma symptoms worse.
Asthma Action Plan
An Asthma Action Plan is a written plan that helps you manage your asthma on a day-to-day basis. It includes information on how to recognize when your asthma is getting worse, how to adjust your medications, and when to seek medical help. Having an Action Plan in place can help you feel more in control of your asthma and reduce the likelihood of asthma attacks.