HEALTH: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ASTHMA

By Grace Adepoju

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects a large number of people worldwide. It is characterized by inflammation of the airways. Asthma is a condition that affects the airways that carry air to and from the lungs by narrowing them. When the airways are inflamed, constricted, and narrowed, it makes it difficult to breathe while causing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. There are also long-term effects of asthma, including an increased risk of respiratory infections, reduced lung function, and scarring of the airways.

Asthma is common and affects people of all ages. Despite asthma being a serious condition, most people with asthma can manage their symptoms and lead normal lives. People with asthma can avoid triggers and live symptom-free lives with the right treatment and lifestyle changes. It is important to remember that asthma is a condition that differs among people, and not everyone experiences it in the same way. It is a mild condition for some people that only causes occasional symptoms. For other people, it is a more severe condition that requires daily medication and close monitoring. 

There are different types of asthma, and the symptoms and severity vary from person to person. While there is no cure for asthma, there are treatments that can help manage the condition and improve the quality of life of people with asthma. The following are some of the types of asthma:

1. ALLERGIC ASTHMA

This is the most common type of asthma. It is triggered by allergens like pollen or dust. Allergic asthma is when the immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen, dust, or even mold. When the body comes in contact with these allergens, it releases chemicals like histamine, which cause the airways to become inflamed and narrowed. It is important for people with allergic asthma to avoid these triggers and take appropriate medications to manage their condition. The treatment for allergic asthma is usually inhaled corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory medications that help to reduce airway inflammation and swelling. These medications are taken with the help of an inhaler. Inhalers help deliver the medication directly to the lungs. Some people with allergic asthma may also need to take other medications, like long-acting beta-agonists, which open up the airways. In severe cases, people may need to use oral corticosteroids or injectable medications.

2. EXERCISE-INDUCED ASTHMA

This is triggered by physical activity. It causes the airways to become inflamed and narrowed. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing during or after exercise. Treatment for exercise-induced asthma often includes using a short-acting beta-agonist inhaler before exercise to help open up the airways. Some people may also need to take medications like leukotriene modifiers or inhaled corticosteroids.

3. OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA

This is triggered by exposure to certain substances in the workplace. It is caused by exposure to certain substances in the workplace, like chemicals, dust, fumes, or other irritants. It’s important for people with occupational asthma to avoid exposure to these substances. Treatment usually involves avoiding the triggers, using medications like inhaled corticosteroids, and sometimes making changes to the workplace to reduce exposure.

4. NON-ALLERGIC ASTHMA

This isn’t triggered by allergens or irritants but rather by factors like stress, weather changes, cold air, or acid reflux. The treatment for non-allergic asthma is similar to the treatment for other types of asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids are often used for treatment as they are very effective. Leukotriene modifiers and long-acting beta-agonists are also sometimes used. If the symptoms are severe, oral corticosteroids may be needed. It is also important for people with non-allergic asthma to identify and avoid their triggers and to get enough rest and exercise.

The exact cause of asthma is not fully known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There are certain genes that have been linked to asthma; people who have a family history of the condition are more likely to develop it. Environmental factors like air pollution, mold, and cigarette smoke can also trigger asthma symptoms. There are also some prenatal and early-life factors that can increase the risk of developing asthma later in life. Low birth weight is one prenatal risk factor for asthma. Babies who are born with a low birth weight are more likely to develop asthma later in life. This is because they have an increased risk of lung inflammation and infection. Another risk factor is exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of asthma in the child.

Asthma can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions like allergies or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There are several tests that doctors use to diagnose asthma, like lung function tests, allergy testing, and a physical exam. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis because the right treatment can make a big difference in quality of life. In addition to diagnostic tests, doctors often use a patient’s medical history to diagnose asthma.                                                                                        

Asthma symptoms are to be known because they help determine when to seek medical help. A person having trouble breathing or any other worse symptoms should get to see a doctor immediately. The main symptom of asthma is shortness of breath, which ranges from mild to severe. Other common symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. Other symptoms experienced are fatigue, rapid heart rate, and trouble sleeping. Symptoms vary from person to person and over time. Some people have only occasional symptoms, while others have persistent symptoms. 

There is a category of people with asthma who experience asthma symptoms that are not related to the lungs. These are called extra pulmonary symptoms and include hoarse voice, sore throat, and problems swallowing. These symptoms are caused by inflammation in the throat and upper airways. Some people also experience gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. These symptoms are caused by the same inflammation that affects the lungs.

The most serious complication of asthma is an asthma attack. During an asthma attack, the airways become so inflamed and constricted that the person has difficulty breathing. Many people with asthma also have a condition called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). This means a narrowing of the airways that occurs during or after exercise. People with EIB can often manage their symptoms with medication and by warming up before exercise. Other complications of asthma include vocal cord dysfunction, a condition where the vocal cords become irritated and inflamed, and sleep apnea, a condition where the person stops breathing during sleep.

The most common triggers of asthma are allergies, viral infections like the cold and flu, and irritants found in the environment. Allergies to things like dust, pollen, and pet dander can also cause symptoms of asthma. Other triggers include smoke, air pollution, and chemicals like perfume or cleaning products. Even changes in weather or stress can trigger asthma. As regards allergies, when someone who is allergic to a substance comes in contact with it, their immune system overreacts and causes inflammation in the airways. This inflammation is what leads to asthma symptoms. Some people also have allergies to foods like peanuts, eggs, and milk.

There are some lifestyle changes that can help with asthma. First, it is very important to avoid triggers as much as possible. This can include things like keeping the house clean and free of dust, avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, and staying away from air pollution. Triggers like cigarette smoke, dust, pollen, mold, stress, weather changes, and certain medications also It is also important to exercise regularly and to eat a healthy diet. Obesity is a risk factor for asthma; therefore, it is also important to take weight management into consideration.

It is important for people with asthma to take their medication as prescribed by their doctor. This can include taking a daily controller medication like an inhaled corticosteroid or a leukotriene modifier. Additionally, exercise is actually good for people with asthma, as long as they warm up and cool down properly. There’s another aspect of health that’s really important for people with asthma, which is emotional health. Having a chronic condition like asthma can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. It is important for people with asthma to take care of their emotional health, just like they take care of their physical health. Some ways to do this include relaxation techniques, journaling, and seeking support from friends and family.