Asthma

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease in which the airways in the lungs become narrowed and produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe.

General Information

• Asthma affects people of all ages.
• Individuals with asthma often have family members who also have asthma or allergies, such as allergic rhinitis and eczema.
• By following a daily management plan, asthma patients can effectively control the disease.
• Asthma is a leading cause of hospitalization and absenteeism from school and work.

Reasons

Asthma is a condition that affects the small airways in the lungs. People with asthma have sensitive airways that react in three ways:

• The bronchial tubes become red and swollen inside.
• The muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes become narrow.
• Mucus is formed in the bronchi.

• An asthma attack can happen suddenly (within minutes) or over a period of days to weeks.

Risk Factors and Triggers

The three most common triggers:

• Smoking
• Exercise
• Cold and flu

Other triggers:

• Mold
• Flower pollen
• Pets
• Chemicals
• Weather changes
• Dust
• Some medications
• Food and food additives
• Emotions (fear)

Symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing (especially late at night, early in the morning, and after exercise)
• Wheezing sound when breathing
• Chest tightness

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is done in three steps:

• The doctor will take a medical history and ask about your symptoms, as well as your general health, including family history of allergies like eczema or allergic rhinitis.
• A clinical examination will be conducted to assess the lungs, skin (for allergy signs), and nose if necessary.
• A lung function test should be performed for individuals over six years of age to confirm the diagnosis.

Complications

Neglecting asthma can cause many complications, including:

• Inability to exercise and be physically active
• Lack of sleep
• Lack of productivity while working or studying
• Decreased lung function
• Poor mental health
• Fatigue and exhaustion

Treatment

Two main groups of asthma medications:

• Quick-relief medications (relief medications):
• Effective and fast-acting treatments that quickly relieve asthma symptoms by relaxing the muscles around the airways.
• Start working within minutes and last for 4 hours.
• Should always be carried by the patient and used when necessary.
• Overuse (more than two days a week) indicates the need for better asthma management.
• Use of delivery devices (e.g., nebulizers) helps reduce side effects.
• Long-term control medications:
• Make the airways less sensitive, reduce redness and swelling, and help dry up mucus.
• Should be taken daily to prevent asthma attacks.
• May take a few weeks to work effectively.
• The mouth should be rinsed after use to prevent sore throat or hoarseness.

Good Asthma Control

• Physical activity without symptoms.
• Sleeping well without symptoms during the night or upon waking.
• Asthma symptoms do not occur more than twice a week.
• Minimal use of quick-relief medications (not more than twice a week).

Tests and Follow-Up

• Monthly follow-ups to develop a control plan for asthma attacks.
• Follow-up 3–7 days after any asthma attack to assess health and update treatment plans.
• Annual follow-ups to check lung function.

Prevention

• Avoid triggers as much as possible.
• Do not smoke or inhale smoke from others.
• Eat healthy meals with vegetables and fruits.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Engage in physical activity (consult a doctor about proper exercise methods).