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Know Asthma: Causes, Complications, Prevention & Treatment
Asthma is a chronic lung disorder that can be managed but not cured. It affects the airways, causing inflammation and making it harder to breathe.
Key issues include lung edema, bronchoconstriction, and hypersensitive airways. Managing asthma involves medications, avoiding triggers, and regular check-ups.
What are the Causes of Asthma?
The precise cause of asthma is uncertain. Although the exact aetiology of asthma is still being investigated, we do know that the following factors are significant contributors to the development of asthma:
- Allergies: People with asthma are more likely to suffer from atopic dermatitis (eczema) or allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
- Family history: People with a family history of asthma are more likely to develop asthma.
- Obesity: Obese or overweight individuals and children are more likely to develop asthma. An individual who is obese may have worsening symptoms more frequently, as well as a lower quality of life. Additionally, they might not react to drugs as well.
- Environmental Factors: Air pollution and some allergens like dust and cockroaches may trigger asthma attacks.
- Cigarette smoking: Smoking has a high risk of asthma as it irritates the airways.
- Genetics.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Symptoms of Asthma in Adults?
The symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. Your symptoms may indicate how severe your asthma is at the moment. There could be just one symptom present or multiple symptoms.
- Wheezing
- tightness or pain in the chest
- shortness of breath
- coughing
- waking up during the night from asthma attacks. Additionally, you might exhibit asthmatic symptoms and early warning indicators before developing the usual symptoms. Early warning indicators alert you to the potential onset of asthma symptoms. Early warning signs include:
- Slouching and raised shoulders
- itchy neck or chin
- runny nose
- weakness
- sputum production
What are the Complications Associated with Asthma?
Poorly managed asthma may cause complications that affect life. Some of the complications of asthma include:
- pneumonia
- chronic inflammation
- depression
- anxiety
- reduced lung function
- poor mental health.
- Respiratory tract failure
What are the Medications and Treatment Options for Asthma?
There are three ways to take asthma medications:
- Inhalers
- Nebulizers
- Pills
here are the different types of asthma medications:
- Long-term Asthma Medications:
These are preventive, long-term medications used every day to cure asthma. Long-term control drugs are used to keep asthma under control and stop asthma symptoms. Even if the asthma symptoms start improving, they still need to take medication to prevent the symptoms further. Some of the long-term control medications include:
- Inhaled corticosteroids like Fluticasone, Mometasone, Budesonide, and Ciclesonide. These anti-inflammatory drugs are the most popular and successful for long-term asthma control. They help control airway obstruction and oedema.
- Leukotriene Modifiers like Montelukast, Zafirlukast etc.
- Long-lasting beta agonists (LABA) like Formoterol and salmeterol expand the airways and reduce oedema for at least 12 hours. These bronchodilators are taken regularly to prevent symptoms. Despite their effectiveness, they have been associated with severe episodes of asthma. Therefore, they are used only in conjunction with inhaled corticosteroids.
- Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMS) also function as bronchodilators. If LABA cannot be used, a LAMA combined with an inhaled corticosteroid may be an alternative.
- Biologics: Biologics target a protein or cell in your body to stop inflammation of your airways. Infusions or shots might be required every two weeks.
- Quick-relief Medications:
These are also known as rescue inhalers. These drugs are used to lessen asthma symptoms. They ease the tense muscles surrounding your airways, facilitating their opening and allowing for better breathing. Consult your physician if you take this kind of medication more than twice a week.
- For prompt symptom alleviation of asthma, short-acting beta-agonists are the primary line of treatment. These consist of levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA), epinephrine (Asthmanefrin, Primatene Mist), and albuterol (ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA).
- Prednisone and methylprednisolone are two examples of oral corticosteroids that reduce airway oedema.
- Ipratropium (Atrovent) is an anticholinergic drug that opens the airways and reduces mucus. It doesn't act as quickly as short-acting beta-agonists.
- Combination quick-relief medications contain both a short-acting beta-agonist and an anticholinergic.
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Book an AppointmentWhat Are Some Natural Home Remedies for Asthma?
Severe asthma symptoms may be reduced with proper care, prescriAsthma Complications asthma medicine and an adequate diet. Some of the home remedies for asthma include:
- Consuming foods and nutrients rich in vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene can reduce symptoms. Gut microbiota may also be linked to asthma, and probiotics, found in fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi, can help reduce inflammation.
- Research has shown that garlic, ginger, and omega-3 oils can help with asthma. Honey, a common ingredient in cold medicines, can help people with asthma breathe easier and use their lungs more effectively.
- Breathing techniques can help reduce asthma symptoms. The Buteyko breathing technique involves breathing through the nose instead of the mouth. It helps minimise airway sensitivity and the need for asthma medication. The Papworth approach is also practical, as it creates a breathing pattern using the nose and diaphragm.
- Yoga reduces stress and improves flexibility and general fitness.
What are the Best Asthma Prevention Tips?
An asthma management plan is the most effective strategy for preventing symptoms in persons with asthma.
- Asthma management involves recognising triggers and avoiding them to minimize medication use and asthma attacks.
- Proper inhaler use is crucial. If inhalers are difficult to use, consider using a holding chamber spacer or a breath-actuated inhaler.
- Monitor asthma and look for early warning signs of worsening asthma.
- Recognizing what to do if asthma worsens is crucial. Consult a physician for any queries. Proper management reduces symptoms, medical visits and hospital stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disorder that narrows and swells the airways, making breathing difficult and causing symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
The best treatments for asthma include inhalers (such as inhaled corticosteroids), nebulizers, and pills. Inhalers are generally considered the safest and most effective first-line therapy.
No, asthma is not a communicable disease. It is a chronic, non-communicable condition that can be managed but not cured.
Genetics can play a role in asthma, but it is not solely genetic. Asthma has multiple causes and risk factors, including genetic and environmental factors.
Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by bronchial hyperreactivity and airway obstruction, triggered by factors like smoking, allergies, or infections.
Exposure to cat hair can trigger asthma symptoms in individuals allergic to furry pets, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Common causes of asthma in adults include allergies, family history, obesity, environmental factors, genetics, and cigarette smoking.
During an asthma attack without an inhaler, maintain an upright posture, take slow deep breaths, avoid triggers like dust or smoke, and seek medical help if breathing difficulties persist.
Severe asthma attacks that are not properly managed can potentially lead to fatal outcomes.
Natural remedies to alleviate asthma cough include honey, breathing exercises, Vitamin D, ginger, and turmeric.
No, asthma does not have a permanent cure. However, various medications and therapies can effectively manage symptoms and control asthma attacks.
Yes, exercise is beneficial for people with asthma. They can safely participate in workouts by taking precautions like consulting healthcare professionals, warming up, staying hydrated, and using medications as prescribed.
Yes, both active smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are significant risk factors for developing asthma. Tobacco smoke irritates the airways and triggers asthma symptoms.
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