What Is Asthma Exactly? Know Signs, Causes & Key Tips

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases, affecting an estimated 263 million people across the globe. Also known as bronchial inflammation, this condition weakens the lungs due to inflammation. Individuals with this disorder have sensitive airways that become inflamed when exposed to various triggers, including dust, dirt, synthetic fragrances, pollen, and other irritants. This can make breathing difficult for those who suffer from it. Unfortunately, it affects both adults and children. According to Wikipedia, around 4.9 million children under the age of 18 years have been suffering from asthma. It is a serious health concern that needs everyone’s attention to combat the serious symptoms and conditions.

The symptoms may vary in intensity, which may include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. However, it is pivotal to understand different types and early signs for effective management. In this guide, we’ll discover everything about asthma, including common causes and symptoms, and prevention measures to let you breathe freely and boost your quality of life.

Let’s Get Started!

What Happens in an Asthma Attack?

The muscles around the airways are in a relaxed position when someone breathes normally. It allows the air to move seamlessly and quietly. However, when an asthma attack happens, you may experience the following things:

• Bronchospasm: Under this, the muscles around the airways shrink and tighten. This causes the airways to narrow and makes it difficult to let air flow freely. This leads to asthma attacks, causing shortness of breath.

• Inflammation: When the airways become inflamed, and don’t allow enough air to flow in and out of your lungs.

• Mucus Production: When the body suffers from an asthma attack, the respiratory system produces thick mucus. This can clog the airways, causing serious breathing problems.

• Whenever your airways get inflamed, it makes an annoying sound called wheezing when you breathe. What’s worse! You might hear an asthma attack called a flare-up or exacerbation in an uncontrolled condition. Thus, get it diagnosed as soon as you detect early symptoms and manage the condition.

Understanding Types of Asthma

Let’s break down asthma conditions into different types depending on the severity and other crucial factors:

1. Allergic Asthma

This type of asthma is usually triggered by allergens present in the air. This may include dust particles, mites, plant pollen, mold, mildew, pet hair, dander, and certain foods. It may get worse with other allergic conditions like hay fever.

2. Non-Allergic Asthma

Under this, allergies don’t trigger asthma symptoms. Instead, it worsens the condition with irritants like strong odors, stress, smoke, cold air, respiratory infections, and weather fluctuations. These factors may cause asthma to flare up.

3. Pediatric or Childhood Asthma

This is one of the most common types of asthma that typically often in children before the age of 5. It is common in infants and toddlers. It is imperative to consult your healthcare provider regarding medications and inhalers in case of an asthma attack. They will guide you to help manage conditions in different phases and situations.

4. Exercise-Induced Asthma

It is usually triggered by extensive physical activity, particularly in dry or cold air. You may feel breathing problems during exercise.

5. Occupational Asthma

The asthma tends to flare up when exposed to irritants available in your office or industry, such as gases, hazardous chemicals and dust. The symptoms improve when you are out of your workplace.

Common Causes of Asthma

Here are the common causes of this chronic respiratory disorder:

1. Allergens

The asthma symptoms may trigger or worsen when exposed to pollen, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, pet dander, airborne allergens, and cockroach droppings. That’s one of the reasons why people with asthma should always wear a face mask to prevent triggers like coughing, sneezing, and breathing difficulty.

2. Environmental Factors

Many people may develop this chronic disease after being exposed to environmental irritants. This can irritate the airways, leading to breathing problems. These substances include toxins, fumes, allergens, chemical fumes, synthetic perfumes, chemical cleaning products, vehicle exhaust, and second-hand and third-hand smoke. Environmental irritants are often harmful to infants and toddlers with an underdeveloped immune system.

3. Genetics or Family History

If someone in your family (parents or grandparents) had asthma, you are three times more likely to develop similar symptoms.

4. Viral Respiratory Infections

Respiratory problems in infants and childhood can lead to wheezing. Some can even struggle with persistent viral respiratory infections that can develop into chronic asthma.
People may also experience other severe respiratory infections, including cold, flu, sinus, and bronchitis, that can inflame the airways with time.

5. Obesity

This is one of the most common yet overlooked causes of asthma conditions. People who are overweight or obese are at a high risk of asthma. High inflammation in the body can make the symptoms worse in some people. Though the reasons are not evident but it is advised to lose weight for better respiratory functioning.

6. Medication Side Effects

Certain medications may cause asthma symptoms or attacks, especially in people with a sensitive respiratory system. Excessive consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs and beta-blockers can be the main culprits. So, always consult your healthcare providers before use.

What are the Symptoms of Asthma?

People with asthma may develop the following symptoms:

• Coughing, especially at night
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain

In severe asthma attacks, you may develop serious symptoms, including:

• Blue lips
• Difficulty speaking even a word
• Exhausted from breathing
• Deep sucking motions at your throat

This may need immediate medical attention. Call the hospital or a doctor immediately

How to Treat Asthma Symptoms?

There are two different ways to help manage asthma triggers and attacks. These may include

• Bronchodilators: These medications are prescribed to relax muscles around your airways. It will help your muscles to breathe in freely. They also allow mucus to move around through the airways. These medications are advised for chronic asthma conditions.

• Anti-Inflammatory Medicines: These medicines can help reduce swelling and mucus in your airways. These can help air to flow in and out of your lungs. Doctors usually prescribe these medicines for daily consumption to control or prevent the symptoms of chronic asthma.

You can breathe in these medicines either using a metered-dose inhaler or a nebulizer, depending on your condition and comfort.

Prevention Measures: How to Avoid Asthma Symptoms?

While there is no cure, there are measures to keep the symptoms in control and prevent an attack:

• Identify and Avoid Triggers: It is important to identify your potential asthma triggers and avoid them. You can jot down your symptoms in your diary for a few weeks. Mention the triggering aspects, such as dust and pollen exposure, breathing problems after a workout, air pollution, coughing due to synthetic fumes, etc. You can also get some tests to find the allergies.

• Limit Exposure to Smoking: This includes tobacco, fireworks, scented candles, fires, etc. Don’t let smoke in your home or car to prevent attacks.

• Monitor Your Breathing: You can use a peak flow meter to keep track of your lung function and detect early signs.

• Create an Allergy-Proof House: Regular dusting and vacuuming are important to keep dust, dirt, and allergens at bay. Wash your bed linens in hot water to kill dust mites. Instead of using chemical cleaners, use eco-friendly and naturally scented products like white vinegar, essential oils, and baking soda to treat mold spores, stains, pet messes, and grime.

• Manage Your Weight: Obesity can increase the risk of asthma. So, stay active, do a daily moderate workout, and lose extra weight to stay fit and healthy.

• Get Vaccinated: Get your annual flu shots to prevent viral respiratory infections

• Take Prescribed Medications: Take inhalers and medications on time to prevent attacks.

• Boost Indoor Air Quality: Install air purifiers to keep the indoor air free of allergens and pests.

Endnote

People with asthma are in constant fear of sudden attacks and other health complications. It is always better to detect signs as early as possible and identify the potential triggers, such as dust, mites, allergens, pet dander, chemical exposure, or food allergies. With the combination of medications, awareness, and regular checkups, you can lead a healthy, breathable, and stress-free life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can asthma be transmitted from one person to another?

No. This condition is non-contagious. It develops if the muscles of your airways are inflamed or weaken.

2. Can asthma be cured?

No, this respiratory disorder can’t be cured. But the good news is you can manage or control it with medications, allergy prevention, and lifestyle changes.

3. Can I play sports if I develop asthma?

People with asthma can participate in different types of physical activities. However, it is always good to consult your doctor. If you experience coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, stop the activity immediately and call your doctor.

4. Why does my asthma get worse after medications?

Some people have asthma attacks due to medication side effects, especially after aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. It is always good to see your doctor and evaluate the problem.