What is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition in which the airways are inflamed, leading to excess music production and a chain reaction that makes breathing difficult. This can also trigger episodes of coughing or wheezing. The exact cause of asthma is unknown, but there can be genetic and environmental reasons for developing asthma.
Asthma can be either a minor ailment or a significant nuisance. It can affect anyone of any age, but it most commonly affects young children and women. It can potentially trigger asthma attacks that can be life-threatening.
There is no known cure for asthma, but it’s a condition that can be well managed in all but the most severe cases. It’s important to continuously track your asthma alongside your doctor as it’s a condition that can change dramatically (for example, many children will simply grow out of it).
Asthma symptoms
While symptoms can vary between individuals there are some commonly understood ones to look out for. Some may have background symptoms of asthma (slight breathing difficulties) whereas others might have triggers that can potentially lead to full-blown asthma attacks.
Common symptoms include:
- Breathlessness
- Chest-tightness
- Wheezing
- Sleeping issues caused by breathing difficulties
- Coughing or breathing issues that are worsened by viral respiratory infections (colds & flu)
These are the signs that your asthma is getting worse:
- Your asthma symptoms are getting worse and bothering you more frequently.
- Increased breathing difficulties (your doctor will verify these with a spirometry test).
- You are more frequently using your relief inhaler.
If you are having an asthma attack that doesn’t respond to your relief inhaler then you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. Asthma attacks can potentially be fatal.
When to see a doctor
You should make an appointment to see a doctor if you think you have asthma (you have all the symptoms associated with asthma).
You should also see a doctor if your asthma is getting worse despite taking prescription medication.
You should also have regularly (annually) reviews with a doctor or specialist to monitor your condition – as treatments may need to change over time.
Finally, you should see a doctor if you’re finding yourself using your relief inhaler more often. The goal of preventative treatment is that you should be using your relief inhaler much less often.
Asthma triggers
There are various potential triggers of asthma, but these depend greatly upon the individual – common triggers include:
- Airborne allergens like pollen, dust or animal fur
- Respiratory infection (like cold & flu)
- Intense or moderate exercise
- Sudden weather changes
- Pollutants in the air and smoking
- Some medications can trigger asthma (beta-blockers, for example)
- Powerful emotions, stress, and anxiety
Potential risk factors for asthma
The likelihood of developing asthma can increase with the following factors:
- Having a close blood relative with asthma (such as a parent or sibling)
- Having existing problems with allergies (such as hay fever)
- Overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Second-hand smoking
- Frequent exposure to exhaust fumes
- Occupation hazards (like industrial or agricultural chemicals)
Asthma complications
Asthma can potentially negatively impact the quality of life by disrupting work and sleep. There is a chance of sick days due to symptom flaring, and a reduction in the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs.
There is some chance of visits to the hospital because of severe asthma attacks and the medication to control asthma can potentially produce side effects over time.
Asthma control and prevention
There is no known cure for asthma, but the condition can be controlled. Your doctor or medical professional will help develop a treatment plan with you.
You should always follow the treatment plan given by your doctor, as asthma medications give you the best possible chance of completely minimizing any negative impacts on your quality of life that your condition can have.
Over time, you will learn what triggers your asthma and be more prepared to avoid these triggers. In some cases, vaccinations for flu can be helpful as viral respiratory infections seem to be a very common asthma trigger.
