Asthma: causes, symptoms and treatment

Asthma - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment | Recetas Medicas

Asthma is a disease that affects the airways and breathing. With asthma, you may experience periods of shortness of breath, wheezing or wheezing and prolonged coughing. The symptoms are a result of a chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes of the trachea, which causes the airways to swell, making it difficult for air to flow in the airways. Here we go through what asthma is, common symptoms, treatment and what you can do yourself to manage the disease.

What is asthma?

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that causes them to become narrower and swell. The inflammation also leads to increased mucus production. The disease makes it harder for air to pass freely, resulting in difficulty breathing, wheezing and coughing. Asthma can range in intensity from mild to severe and can even be life-threatening if not managed well.

Asthma is usually divided into allergic or non-allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is caused by an immune reaction to specific allergens. When a person with allergic asthma is exposed to these substances, the immune system reacts, leading to inflammation and asthma symptoms. Non-allergic asthma, on the other hand, is not triggered by allergens. This type of asthma is linked to irritation of the airways rather than an allergic reaction.

Causes of asthma

Asthma can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The most common triggering factors include:

• Allergy: People with allergic asthma react to substances they are hypersensitive to, such as pollen, fur animals, mites and mould.
• Infections: Respiratory infections such as colds and flu can trigger asthma symptoms.
• Physical activity: Exercise-induced asthma is triggered by physical activity, especially in cold weather.
• Air pollution: Smoke, exhaust fumes and industrial pollution can make asthma worse.

Symptoms of asthma

Asthma symptoms can vary in severity from person to person, but they are the same no matter what type of asthma you have. Here are common symptoms:

• Sudden attacks of shortness of breath that make it difficult to breathe. Many describe it as feeling like they are trying to breathe through a straw while holding their nose.
• Wheezing and wheezing.
• Prolonged cough, in connection with a cold or at night.
• Pain or pressure in the chest.
• Difficulty breathing during physical exertion.

Your symptoms may worsen at specific times, such as during pollen season or when exposed to cold air. The symptoms come and go in periods. Between periods, you can feel completely problem-free.

Diagnosis and investigation of asthma

To diagnose asthma, an examination of the airways, called spirometry, is usually performed, where lung function and airflow are measured. There are also other methods to examine how the lungs work. You may have a PEF measurement that records airflow or a reversibility test that shows if your airways are dilated by medication. During an asthma investigation, an allergy test is also done, either through a blood test or a prick test.

Treatment for asthma

Asthma is usually treated with a combination of drugs that aim to both relieve symptoms and control the underlying inflammation of the disease. The treatment is adapted to the severity of the asthma and your individual needs, with the goal that you should be able to live a normal and active life without restrictions.

To treat asthma, two main types of inhalation drugs are used, i.e. drugs you inhale through the mouth. You are usually given a combination of bronchodilator drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs. Bronchodilating drugs, such as beta-2 stimulators, are used both quickly acting for acute relief of breathing difficulties and long acting. These medicines help the muscles around the windpipe to relax, making it easier to breathe.

Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as cortisone, reduce inflammation in the airways. Cortisone is usually inhaled regularly to prevent worsening of symptoms. In severe asthma, you can sometimes get cortisone in tablet form.

What can I do myself?

In order to manage and relieve your asthma symptoms effectively, it is important that you have a good knowledge of the disease and understand how your medicines work. Here are some things you can do yourself:

• Avoid triggers: Step one is to avoid things that you know can trigger your asthma symptoms. This can be, for example, smoking, cold air, allergens such as pollen and fur animals, as well as environments with a lot of chemicals or strong smells.
• Medicines: Always carry your inhaler with you and use it as directed, especially before physical activity if you suffer from exercise-induced asthma. Regular use of preventive medicine is also important to keep asthma under control.
• Measurement: Use a PEF meter to regularly check your lung function. It can help you identify deterioration early and adjust your treatment in consultation with your doctor.
• Physical activity: It is important to be active even if you have asthma. Exercise strengthens your lungs and your overall health. Remember to warm up properly before exercise to avoid worsening your asthma, and use your medication before activity if needed.
• Education and support: Try to attend education about asthma. They are offered, for example, at many health centres. There you can learn how to manage your asthma better, how to use your inhaler correctly, and get other useful tips for living with asthma.
• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the strain on your lungs. If you smoke, it is very important to stop, as smoking worsens your asthma and reduces the effectiveness of your medicines.

When should I seek care?

If you suspect you have asthma, you should contact a health center for investigation. You should also seek care if you are already diagnosed with asthma but your symptoms are worsening or if you are not getting enough relief from your prescribed medications.

Seek urgent care or call 112 if you suddenly have very difficult breathing despite taking your medication.