Do you also often cough at night? Do you feel like a hawk when you run around and play, or when you climb stairs? Or do you feel like your chest is constricted, or feels heavy? These can be common symptoms of asthma. For many people, this asthma condition comes together with various allergies . We call this 'Allergic Asthma'. In fact, asthma and allergies are two very related diseases. So today, we will talk about everything in a simple way that you can understand.
What exactly is asthma? What happens inside the body when it develops?
Simply put, asthma is a condition that affects the bronchial tubes that carry air to our lungs. When we breathe, air enters through our nose and travels through these bronchial tubes to our lungs. In a healthy person, these bronchial tubes are open and free. This allows us to breathe easily.
But when someone with asthma experiences an asthma attack due to a trigger, three major changes occur in these airways. Think of it like a water pipe.
1. Tightening of the muscles around the airways: The small muscles around these airways suddenly tighten. As if someone had squeezed a water pipe. In medicine, we call this ( bronchospasm ) . This narrows the airways.
2. Inflammation inside the airways: The inner walls of these airways begin to swell. This inflammation causes the airways to become narrower.
3. Increased mucus production: The cells in the airways begin to produce thicker, sticky mucus than normal. This mucus further blocks the airways.
When these three factors come together, the airways become very narrow. Then it becomes difficult for air to enter the lungs and for air to leave the lungs. That's why you feel "hard to breathe" and "short of breath."
What are the main symptoms of asthma?
Not everyone with asthma has the same symptoms all the time. Some people have symptoms infrequently. Others may have minor discomfort almost every day. Let's look at the main symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Frequent cough | Coughing may be more frequent, especially at night, in the early morning, or during exercise. |
| Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) | Feeling suffocated, having difficulty breathing. |
| Wheezing | Hearing a faint 'cheese-cheese' sound in the throat or chest when exhaling. |
| Chest tightness or pain | A feeling of tightness or heaviness in the chest. |
Small signs that come before an asthma attack
Sometimes, before a major asthma attack occurs, our body gives us early warning signs. It is very important to recognize these.
- Frequent coughing , especially at night.
- It's a little difficult to breathe, and you're going to faint quickly.
- Feeling more tired than usual, coughing, or wheezing when exercising.
- The onset of cold symptoms or other allergy symptoms (e.g., stuffy nose, sneezing ).
- Difficulty falling asleep.
Using the treatment prescribed by your doctor as soon as you notice a minor symptom like this will go a long way in preventing a severe asthma attack.
What are the triggers for asthma?
The airways of a person with asthma are very sensitive. Therefore, they react quickly to certain things in the environment. We call these "triggers". To control your asthma, it is very important to identify what these triggers are for you and stay away from them as much as possible.
| Trigger Category | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Allergens | Dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold, cockroaches, and certain foods. |
| Infections | Viral infections like colds and flu. |
| Exercise | It is especially common among children. (But with proper treatment, exercise should not be stopped!) |
| Weather | Cold air, sudden changes in weather. |
| Smoke and air pollution | Cigarette smoke, wood stove smoke, vehicle exhaust, dust. |
| Some medications | Painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen, and some beta-blockers for high blood pressure. |
| Strong feelings | Being scared, angry, laughing or crying excessively. |
How do you know for sure if you have asthma?
If you have symptoms of asthma, the first thing you should do is see a qualified doctor. The doctor will first ask you about your symptoms, whether anyone in your family has asthma, and then examine you. Then, they may do several tests to confirm the diagnosis.
- Spirometry: This is the main test. You are asked to breathe into a machine that measures how much air your lungs can take in and how fast you can exhale it.
- Peak Flow Meter Test: This is a small, handheld device that measures the maximum rate at which air can be exhaled from your lungs by blowing hard.
- Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray is performed to check for other medical conditions.
- Allergy Tests: Skin tests or blood tests can be done to find out if you have allergies and what they are.
What treatments are available to control asthma?
Although asthma cannot be cured completely, with the right treatment, it can be well controlled and you can live a normal life without any problems. There are two main parts to asthma treatment: quick-relief medications (Relievers) and long-term control medications (Preventers). These are often given as an inhaler.
1. Quick-Relief Medicines (Reliever Inhalers)
We call these bronchodilators . When you inhale this inhaler, it quickly relaxes the muscles in your airways, opening up your airways.
- Use: Get relief as soon as asthma symptoms (cough, wheezing) begin.
- Important: Use this only when needed . If you have to use this inhaler frequently, it means that your asthma is not well controlled. In that case, be sure to see your doctor.
2. Long-term control medications (Preventer Inhalers)
These are the most important medications for asthma control. These are called Anti-inflammatories (often Inhaled Corticosteroids).
- How it works: These medications reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways, making them less sensitive and less responsive to triggers.
- How to use: You should use this inhaler every day, as directed by your doctor, for the prescribed number of times. You should use it even on days when you are not sick . This will help prevent your asthma from getting worse.
3. Other treatments
Some people are given tablets (Leukotriene Modifiers - e.g. Singulair) or special injections (Immunomodulators - e.g. Xolair) in addition to inhalers. All of this is decided by the doctor who examines you.
Very important: Learn the correct technique for using the inhaler your doctor gives you. If you use it incorrectly, the medicine will not reach your lungs properly.
Take-Home Message
- Asthma is a disease that, if properly controlled, does not interfere with a normal life. Don't be afraid.
- Identify your triggers and stay away from them as much as possible.
- Use the "Preventer" (long-term control) inhaler prescribed by your doctor as directed, every day, even on days when you have no symptoms.
- Always keep a "reliever" inhaler with you.
- If your asthma symptoms worsen, you need to use your Reliever inhaler more often, or you have any questions about your treatment, see your doctor immediately.
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