Asthma Part 1: An Overview

Asthma Part 1: An Overview

Welcome to this first part of a four-part series on asthma, where we'll understand what it is and how it can be treated.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs. Recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing are hallmarks of asthma.

Asthma affects people of all ages, but most often begins in childhood.

overview

Asthmatics have inflamed airways in their lungs. Inflamed airways are narrowed and very sensitive, causing them to react very strongly to inhaled allergens.

When the airways respond, the muscles around them tense and narrow the airways, resulting in reduced airflow into the lungs. The swelling can and will progress and further narrow the airways. Associated with this process is the increased production of mucus, a thick, sticky fluid that further narrows the already narrowed airways.

These reactions lead to asthma symptoms – wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and cough.

Asthmatic symptoms are often mild and resolve spontaneously or can be easily treated with minimal treatment. However, in some cases it can progress and worsen, resulting in what is known as an asthma attack.

Therefore, early treatment of asthma symptoms is of utmost importance. If an asthma attack occurs, emergency care is required, and if left untreated, asthma can be fatal.

There is no cure for asthma. However, with appropriate and thorough ongoing treatment, asthma can be managed, and asthmatics can and will continue to lead normal and active lives.

Vulnerable populations

Asthma most often begins in childhood, but can affect all age groups.

Young children who suffer from frequent respiratory infections are at the highest risk of developing asthma. Other risk factors that influence the development of asthma are atopy (with multiple allergies), eczema or, as mentioned above, parents who are also asthmatic.

Boys have a higher risk of asthma than girls. However, once adulthood is reached, there are more female asthmatics than their male counterparts. Overall, most people with asthma have allergies.

Another significant population with asthma is industrial workers who come into contact with chemical irritants or industrial pollutants at their workplace. This population develops occupational asthma, a controversial condition.

Causes of Asthma

A variety of causes of asthma have been documented to date. These include:

• Genetic causes, especially atopic individuals or asthmatic parents

• Respiratory tract infections in childhood

• A variety of airborne allergens are involved

Signs and symptoms of asthma

Common signs and symptoms of asthma include:

• Cough

• Gasp.

• Tightness in the chest

• Shortness of breath.

Coughs caused by asthma are often worse at night and disrupt your sleep. Wheezing is a squeaking, whooshing sound that is heard with every breath. Chest tightness and shortness of breath can and are often confused with cardiac causes and can cause undue stress to the patient.

If one or more of the above symptoms occur, asthma is not automatically diagnosed. Proper pulmonary function tests, medical history and physical examination by a doctor are the only way to confirm asthma.

However, the type and severity of patients' asthma symptoms determines the management of the disease. Because symptoms vary over time, asthmatics need to be aware of their own symptoms and fluctuations and seek treatment early, as while mild symptoms may simply be annoying, severe symptoms can seriously limit daily routines and exercise, and very severe symptoms can potentially lead to death if left untreated.

Treatment is now available to prevent the onset of asthma in known asthma sufferers.

Triggers of asthma

These include:

• Allergens – dust, animal fur, cockroaches, mold and pollen from trees, grasses and flowers, etc.

• Chemical irritants – cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals, workplace dust, sprays, etc.

• Medicines – NSAIDs (e.g. aspirin) and B-blockers (e.g. atenolol).

• Upper respiratory tract infections

• Physical Activity – Exercise can trigger asthma.

This list is not complete. Every asthma sufferer is unique and it is best to seek advice from your doctor.

Prevention of asthma

Asthma cannot be cured. But you can prevent it. Following these simple steps will go a long way in treating asthma.

• Find out about asthma. Motivate yourself.

• Have an asthma action plan and follow through with it.

• Follow your doctor's medicine

• Identify the triggers that cause your asthma and avoid them

• Document the progression of your asthma

• Regular visits to your treating doctor

In the next part of this series, we'll look at what to prepare and expect during a medical consultation.

Inspired by Tzun Hon Lau