Overview
Symptoms and Causes
Asthma symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and persistent coughing, especially at night or during exercise. These symptoms are triggered by inflammation in the airways, which causes them to swell, narrow, and produce excess mucus, making it hard to breathe. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person, ranging from mild to life-threatening.
Causes
Asthma is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The immune system normally protects the body from pathogens, but in people with asthma, certain allergens can trigger an overactive immune response, leading to airway inflammation.
Common asthma triggers include:
- Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and certain foods.
- Environmental irritants: Cigarette smoke, air pollution, and strong odors.
- Respiratory infections: Viral infections, especially in early childhood, can increase the risk of developing asthma.
- Genetics: A family history of asthma, especially from the mother, increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
Other risk factors for developing asthma include:
- Exposure to smoke during pregnancy or early childhood.
- Occupational hazards, where individuals are exposed to irritants such as chemicals or dust.
- Obesity, which increases the risk and worsens asthma symptoms.
- Multiple allergies, which are linked to an increased asthma risk.
- Underlying lung conditions in children, particularly after viral infections.
- Sex and ethnicity, which can also influence asthma development, with young boys more likely to develop asthma in childhood, while adult women are more at risk later in life.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing asthma requires a thorough examination of symptoms, medical history, and family history, along with specific tests to assess lung function and allergic responses. Some key diagnostic tools include:
- Physical exam: Doctors assess breathing patterns, listen for wheezing, and check for other signs of respiratory issues.
- Spirometry: This test measures lung capacity and airflow by assessing how much air a person can inhale and exhale forcefully.
- Peak flow test: A simplified version of spirometry, where a person blows as hard and fast as possible into a peak flow meter to measure how quickly they can expel air from the lungs.
- Bronchoprovocation tests: These tests determine if certain allergens or irritants cause airway constriction.
- Allergy testing: Skin or blood tests may be used to confirm the presence of allergic reactions to common asthma triggers, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.
Treatments
Asthma treatment aims to control symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and improve overall quality of life. Management typically involves medication and lifestyle adjustments based on an individualized treatment plan. Key treatments include:
- Reliever inhalers (short-acting bronchodilators): These are used to quickly relax the muscles around the airways during an asthma attack, providing rapid relief from symptoms.
- Preventer inhalers (inhaled corticosteroids): These are used daily to reduce airway inflammation and prevent symptoms from occurring.
- Long-acting bronchodilators: Often combined with corticosteroids, these medications help keep the airways open over time and are used to prevent symptoms.
- Leukotriene modifiers: Oral medications that reduce airway inflammation and are often used alongside inhalers.
- Immunotherapy: In cases of allergic asthma, allergy shots or tablets can help desensitize the immune system to specific triggers.
- Personalized Asthma Action Plan: This plan is tailored to each patient, outlining how to manage symptoms, take medications correctly, and recognize when to seek medical help.
With proper treatment and adherence to a management plan, most people with asthma can lead normal, active lives.
Meet Our Respiratory Experts
Prof. Suveer Singh is an experienced specialist in Respiratory Medicine, Sleep Apnoea and other Sleep Disorders (Insomnia), Respiratory Critical Care, Acute respiratory infection (including COVID) and post ITU recovery.
Make An Enquiry
Client Success Stories
Breathing Easy: Stories of Success from Respiratory Patients
Discover the inspiring narratives of individuals who have triumphed over respiratory conditions, showcasing resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit.
