Asthma treatment: Causes and symptoms

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Asthma is a long-term medical condition that has an impact on the respiratory system through the airways. In this blog, you will learn all about asthma, including the possible causes, the signs you should look out for, and possible ways of treating it.  Dive into this blog and understand Asthma and ways to treat it.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

  • What is Asthma?
  • The impact of asthma on the lungs
  • Types of Asthma
  • Common Asthma Triggers
  • Recognizing Asthma Symptoms
  • Asthma Treatment Options
  • Conclusion
  • Frequently asked questions

What is Asthma? 

Asthma is a chronic illness in which the bronchial tubes become inflamed and constricted accompanied by increased production of mucus. This may lead to breathing problems that lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath among other signs.

The Impact of Asthma on the Lungs 

Asthma does have some impact on the lungs since the airways responsible for the movement of air to and from the lungs get inflamed and constricted. Their designed breadth is sensitive to some of the triggers that cause asthma attacks when these airways are swollen. In an asthma attack, the muscles in the throat and other parts of the respiratory system contract, and the lining of the air passages becomes inflamed resulting in reduced flow of air into the lungs.

Types of Asthma 

Allergic Asthma: 

Initiated by substances like grass, tree or ragweed pollen, dust mite, or pet dander.

Non-Allergic Asthma: 

Castrated by stimuli like the fumes from cigarettes, powerful smells, or drafts.

Exercise-induced asthma: 

These include pain at rest and pain brought on by physical activity.

Occupational Asthma: 

A condition resulting from irritation at the workplace by substances like chemicals and dust.

Childhood Asthma:

Bronchial asthma is identified in childhood and is caused by respiratory ailments or allergens.

Common Asthma Triggers

There are certain triggers that if avoided one can manage the disease and these include; triggers include:

  •  Bacteria & viruses (Tuberculosis, Common cold virus)
  • Solid particles (smoke, gases – chemicals).
  • Respiratory infections (cold, flu)
  • Physical activity
  • Stress and strong emotions
  • Environmental factors such as temperature, specifically the cold air and high relative humidity.
  • Certain medications (aspirin, beta-blockers)

Recognizing Asthma Symptoms 

It is important to know the signs to be able to diagnose asthma early and treatment of the illness thus being started early as well. Common symptoms include:

  •  Shortness of breath
  •  Chest tightness or pain
  • Coughing is accompanied by the production of clear sputum or mucus.
  • Coughing, particularly at night or early morning Especially this one, seems like a small problem but it could be a symptom of different diseases.

Asthma Diagnosis 

Diagnosing asthma typically involves a medical history review, physical examination, and lung function tests such as:

Spirometry:

This examines the amount of breath that one can expel and the rate at which the expelling is done.

Peak Flow Meter: Measures the speed at which one can expel air away from the body.

Methacholine Challenge:

It is an airway challenge test where a person takes a substance that makes airways constrict.

Asthma Treatment Options 

Medications 

Long-term Control Medications: 

Formulations to be taken AD to avoid/prevent symptoms and attacks (e. g. inhaled corticosteroids, LABA).

Quick-Relief Medications: 

As a rescue medication that helps control an asthma attack in progress (for instance, SABA for example albuterol).

Lifestyle Changes 

Avoid Triggers: 

Try not to suppress asthma triggers as this will help in preventing attacks.

Regular Exercise:

Good for lungs and health in general though depending on the intensity should be done under the doctor’s supervision.

Healthy Diet:

A proper diet opens new possibilities for a healthier lifestyle and non-asthma-related symptoms decrease.

Asthma Action Plan:

There are specific strategies that a patient can adopt to assist manage asthma when a doctor pays special attention to the case to develop an asthma action plan. This plan should include:

  • Daily treatment routine
  • How to cope with an increase in a disease’s severity
  • Emergency treatment instructions

Conclusion 

Asthma on the other hand is a lifelong disease but one that individuals can effectively manage. The causes, symptoms, and treatment possibilities are essential knowledge to master in the case of asthma. Hypertension and bronchial asthma do not have to stand in the way of a healthy lifestyle and lots of physical activity.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the main causes of asthma? 

Many risk factors have been identified as bringing about asthma such as genetic factors, allergens, air pollutants, respiratory infections, and exercise.

 What are the signs of an asthma attack? 

  •  Shortness of breath
  •  Chest tightness or pain
  •  Wheezing

Specifically, coughing especially in the evening or when one is rising from bed in the morning.

How can we treat Asthma? 

The treatment of asthma requires assistant control medicines to control asthma and fast-acting relievers for the episodes. Other important aspects that enable a patient to manage asthma include lifestyle modifications, and getting rid of factors in the environment that may cause an asthma episode.

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