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).