Asthma is a disorder in which your airways constrict and swell, causing more mucus to form. This can make breathing difficult and cause coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing), and shortness of breath.
Asthma is a mild annoyance for some people. For others, it can be a severe issue that disrupts everyday activities and may result in a life-threatening asthma attack.
Although asthma cannot be cured, its symptoms can be managed. Because asthma often changes over time, it’s important that you work with your doctor to track your signs and symptoms and adjust your treatment as needed.
Symptoms
The symptoms of asthma differ from individual to person. You may experience rare asthma episodes, symptoms only at specific times (for example, when exercising), or symptoms all of the time.
Asthma symptoms and signs include
- Breathing difficulty
- Tightness or discomfort in the chest
- Wheezing when exhaling is a frequent symptom of asthma in youngsters.
- Sleeping difficulties caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing
- Coughing or wheezing episodes exacerbated by a respiratory illness, such as the common cold or the flu
Signs that your asthma is likely to worsen include:
More frequent and painful asthma signs and symptoms
Increasing difficulty breathing, as assessed by a gadget that measures how effectively your lungs operate
The requirement to use a quick-relief inhaler more often
Some people’s asthma symptoms worsen in the following situations:
Exercise-induced asthma, which may be exacerbated by cold and dry air.
Occupational asthma is caused by irritants in the job such as chemical fumes, gases, or dust.
Allergy-induced asthma is caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach feces, or skin and dry saliva particles produced by dogs (pet dander).
When should you see a doctor?
Seek immediate medical attention.
Severe asthma episodes are potentially fatal. Work with your doctor to establish what to do if your symptoms worsen or if you require emergency care. Asthma emergency symptoms include:
- Rapid deterioration of shortness of breath or wheeze
- Even after taking a quick-relief inhaler, there was no improvement.
- Shortness of breath when conducting little physical activity
- Consult your physician.
Visit your doctor:
If you suspect you have asthma. Consult your doctor if you have frequent coughing or wheezing that lasts more than a few days, or if you have any other signs or symptoms of asthma. Early treatment of asthma may help avoid long-term lung damage and keep the illness from worsening over time.
To keep track of your asthma after it has been diagnosed. If you have asthma, collaborate with your doctor to keep it under control. Long-term control improves your day-to-day living and can avert a life-threatening asthma attack.
If your asthma attacks worsen. If your medicine isn’t alleviating your symptoms or if you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more frequently, consult your doctor straight away.
Do not take more medication than is recommended without first visiting your doctor. Overuse of asthma medications might produce negative effects and worsen your asthma.
To go through your treatment plan. Asthma frequently evolves over time. Consult your doctor on a regular basis to discuss your symptoms and make any necessary treatment adjustments.
Causes
It is unknown why some people get asthma and others do not, but it is most likely due to a mix of environmental and inherited (genetic) variables.
Asthma causes
Exposure to numerous irritants and chemicals that cause allergies (allergens) can cause asthma symptoms. Asthma triggers vary from person to person and may include:
- Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and cockroach feces are examples of airborne allergens.
- Infections of the respiratory tract, such as the common cold
- Physical exercise
- The air is cold.
- Pollutants and irritants in the air, such as smoke
- Certain medications, such as beta blockers, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), are contraindicated.
- Stress and strong emotions
- Some foods and beverages contain sulfites and preservatives, such as shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer, and wine.
- GERD is a disorder in which stomach acids reflux into the throat.
Risk elements
A variety of things may raise your chances of acquiring asthma. They are as follows:
- Having an asthmatic blood related, such as a parent or sibling
- Having another allergic disease, such as atopic dermatitis (red, itchy skin) or hay fever (runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes).
- Being overweight is a problem.
- Being a smoker and being exposed to secondhand smoke
- Exhaust fumes or other kinds of pollution Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in agriculture, hairdressing, and manufacturing
Asthma complications
- Signs and symptoms that interfere with sleep, work and other activities
- Sick days from work or school during asthma flare-ups
- A permanent narrowing of the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs (bronchial tubes), which affects how well you can breathe
- Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for severe asthma attacks
- Side effects from long-term use of some medications used to stabilize severe asthma
- Proper treatment makes a big difference in preventing both short-term and long-term complications caused by asthma.
Prevention
While there is no way to prevent asthma, you and your doctor can devise a step-by-step strategy for managing your condition and avoiding asthma attacks.
Adhere to your asthma action plan. Create a detailed plan for taking medications and managing an asthma attack with your doctor and health care team. Then stick to your game plan.
Asthma is a chronic illness that requires continual monitoring and treatment. Taking charge of your therapy might give you a sense of control over your life.
Obtain an influenza and pneumonia vaccination. Keeping up with vaccines will help prevent flu and pneumonia from causing asthma flare-ups.
Recognize and prevent asthma triggers. Asthma episodes can be triggered by a variety of environmental allergens and irritants, ranging from pollen and mold to cold air and air pollution. Determine what triggers your asthma and take actions to avoid those triggers.
Keep an eye on your breathing. You may be able to spot early warning symptoms of an approaching attack, such as mild coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Asthma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
How much water you should drink a day?
Depression (major depressive disorder) – Symptoms and causes
