ASTHMA

Asthma symptoms can vary in severity and frequency from person to person. They can be triggered by various factors, including allergens, respiratory infections, irritants (e.g., smoke or strong odours), exercise, cold air, and emotional stress. Here are explanations for each of the common symptoms associated with asthma:

• Cough that may start at night or when exercising: Asthma-related coughing can be triggered or worsened at night (nocturnal asthma) or during physical activity (exercise-induced bronchoconstriction). This cough is often dry and may be a response to airway inflammation and constriction.

• Fatigue: Fatigue or tiredness can result from the increased effort required to breathe when the airways are narrowed or constricted due to asthma. Inadequate sleep caused by night-time symptoms can also contribute to fatigue.

• Chest tightness: Chest tightness is a common asthma symptom characterised by a sensation of pressure or discomfort in the chest. It occurs when the muscles surrounding the airways contract, leading to reduced airflow.

• Anxiety: Anxiety can be both a symptom and a consequence of asthma. The experience of breathing difficulties and the fear of asthma attacks can lead to heightened anxiety. Conversely, anxiety and stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

• Feeling short of breath: Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnoea, is a hallmark symptom of asthma. It occurs when the airways narrow, limiting the flow of air into and out of the lungs. People with asthma may feel like they cannot take a full, deep breath.

• Wheezing: Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when breathing, especially during exhalation. It is a common and characteristic symptom of asthma and is caused by the narrowing of the airways, which creates turbulence as air passes through.

There are different types of asthma based on their triggers and characteristics:

• Allergic Asthma: This is the most common type of asthma. It is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mould, and certain foods. People with allergic asthma often experience symptoms after exposure to these allergens.
• Non-Allergic Asthma: In this type of asthma, triggers are not related to allergies. Factors like cold air, exercise, smoke, strong odours, and respiratory infections can provoke symptoms. Non-allergic asthma tends to be more common in adults.

• Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB): Also known as exercise-induced asthma, this type is triggered by physical activity. Symptoms occur during or after exercise and may include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

• Occupational Asthma: This type is caused by exposure to specific substances in the workplace, such as chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes. Symptoms improve when away from the workplace.

• Cough-Variant Asthma: Instead of wheezing or shortness of breath, coughing is the primary symptom. It may be triggered by allergies, respiratory infections, or irritants.

• Child-Onset Asthma and Adult-Onset Asthma: Asthma can develop at any age. Child-onset asthma often has allergic triggers, while adult-onset asthma might be non-allergic and related to factors like smoking or environmental exposures.

• Brittle Asthma: This is a severe and unpredictable form of asthma characterised by frequent and sudden changes in lung function. It is challenging to manage and often requires intensive medical care.

• Nocturnal Asthma: Symptoms of asthma, such as coughing and wheezing, tend to worsen at night. This can disrupt sleep and affect daily functioning.

• Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD): People with AERD experience asthma symptoms when they take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

• Difficult-to-Treat Asthma: Some individuals with asthma may have difficulty managing their symptoms despite adhering to treatment. This type requires careful evaluation and specialised treatment plans.

Asthma is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors. While these common causes and risk factors play a role in the development and exacerbation of asthma, the exact cause can vary from person to person. Not everyone with these risk factors will develop asthma, and not all individuals with asthma have the same triggers or severity of symptoms.

• Genetic predisposition: Asthma often has a genetic component. Individuals with a family history of asthma or other allergic conditions (known as atopy) are at a higher risk of developing asthma themselves. Specific genes related to asthma susceptibility have been identified, but genetics alone do not determine the development of asthma; environmental factors also play a significant role.

• History of viral infections: Early respiratory infections, particularly viral infections during childhood, can increase the risk of developing asthma. Respiratory viruses like rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and others can damage the airways and trigger inflammation, which may contribute to the development of asthma in susceptible individuals.

• Allergies: Allergic reactions to common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mould, and certain foods can lead to asthma symptoms in individuals with allergic asthma. These allergens can trigger an immune response that results in airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction.

• Air pollution: Exposure to environmental pollutants, including fine particulate matter, ozone, and airborne irritants, can exacerbate asthma symptoms and increase the risk of asthma attacks. Air pollution can worsen airway inflammation and make breathing more difficult for people with asthma.

• Smoking: Smoking, including both active smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke, is a significant risk factor for asthma. Tobacco smoke is an irritant that can worsen asthma symptoms and reduce lung function. Smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of asthma in offspring.

• Obesity: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of asthma, particularly in adults. It is believed that obesity-related inflammation and changes in lung mechanics may contribute to the development of asthma. Weight loss and a healthy lifestyle can help improve asthma control in obese individuals.

In addition to these medications, individuals with asthma may be prescribed other treatments, such as oral corticosteroids for short-term use during severe exacerbations or biologic therapies for certain types of severe asthma that do not respond well to other medications.

Here's some information about each category of medications used to manage asthma:

Medications to control asthma symptoms:

• Inhaled Corticosteroids: These are the most effective long-term control medications for asthma. They reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. Common examples include budesonide, fluticasone, and beclomethasone.

• Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs): LABAs are often prescribed in combination with inhaled corticosteroids for more severe asthma. They help relax the airway muscles and provide extended symptom control. Common examples include salmeterol and formoterol.

• Leukotriene Modifiers: Medications like montelukast block the action of leukotrienes, which are substances that can cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

• Theophylline: This medication relaxes the airway muscles and can be used in some cases to provide long-term asthma control. However, it requires careful monitoring of blood levels due to potential side effects.

Rescue medications:

• Short-Acting Beta-Agonists (SABAs): These are quick-relief medications that provide rapid bronchodilation, relieving acute asthma symptoms. Albuterol (salbutamol) is a common SABA used for rescue.

• Anticholinergic Agents: Medications like ipratropium are bronchodilators that can help relax the airways and provide relief during acute asthma attacks.

Allergy medications:

• Allergen Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): For individuals with allergic asthma triggered by specific allergens, allergen immunotherapy may be recommended. It involves receiving regular injections of allergens to reduce the immune system's response to these triggers over time.

There are natural approaches that may complement asthma management and help individuals with asthma improve their lung function, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Here's an explanation of each of the mentioned natural treatments:

• Breathing exercises: Breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing (also known as deep breathing) and pursed-lip breathing, can help individuals with asthma improve their lung capacity and control their breathing during asthma attacks. These exercises may reduce the work of breathing and alleviate shortness of breath.

• Aerobic exercise: Engaging in regular aerobic exercise, like brisk walking or swimming, can improve cardiovascular fitness and lung function. It can also help individuals with asthma build respiratory endurance and reduce the risk of asthma symptoms during physical activity. 

• Steam bath and sauna: Steam baths and saunas may help individuals with asthma by providing moist, warm air that can help relax and open the airways. However, caution should be exercised, as excessively hot or dry environments may trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. It's important to use such facilities in moderation and monitor for any adverse reactions.

• Chiropractic care: Some people with asthma seek chiropractic care as a complementary therapy. Chiropractic adjustments primarily focus on spinal health and alignment, some individuals report improved overall well-being and relief from certain musculoskeletal symptoms.

• Yoga: Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. It may help individuals with asthma by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving lung function through controlled breathing exercises. Yoga can also enhance flexibility and physical fitness.

• Massage: Massage therapy can promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate stress. For individuals with asthma, stress management is important, as stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Massage therapy may contribute to overall relaxation and well-being, potentially reducing the impact of stress on asthma.