Difficulty breathing? Let's learn exactly about asthma

Do you also have a cough that wakes you up at night? Do you feel tired even when walking a short distance? Do you feel a tightness in your chest, or do you hear a whistling sound when you breathe? If these things happen to you often, it could be a symptom of asthma. Don't worry, this is a condition that affects many people. Today, let's talk about exactly what asthma is, what its symptoms are, and what to do about it.

What exactly is asthma?

Simply put, asthma is a long-term condition affecting our lungs. Some doctors also call it a chronic respiratory disease. Some also call it 'bronchial asthma'.

What happens here is that our airways, the tubes that carry air to the lungs, become inflamed, swollen, and narrow. Just as a water pipe becomes clogged with dirt and becomes narrow, it becomes difficult for the water to flow through. When the airways become narrow, it becomes difficult to breathe. In addition, a thick, sticky type of mucus begins to build up inside these tubes. When all three of these factors come together, asthma symptoms appear.

What are the main symptoms of asthma?

Not everyone with asthma has the same symptoms all the time. Some people may have them all the time, while others may have them only occasionally. But there are some common symptoms.

What is an Asthma Attack?

An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of symptoms. What happens here is that the muscles around the airways suddenly tighten due to some cause (trigger). This is medically called (Bronchospasm) . Along with this, swelling and mucus production inside the airways increase. This makes breathing very difficult.

These symptoms may also occur during a severe asthma attack:

• A loud whistling sound when breathing in and out.
• Coughing that can't be stopped.
• Very rapid breathing .
• Difficulty even speaking.
• Retractions (feeling like the muscles in the neck and chest are pulling inward).
• Blue lips or fingernails. This means that the body is not getting enough oxygen .
• Feeling very anxious or afraid.
• Face turning pale and sweating.

When to seek immediate medical advice

Asthma can usually be controlled with an inhaler. However, there are some cases, which can be life-threatening emergencies . If you or your child has any of the following symptoms, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately.

What are the triggers that aggravate asthma?

The airways of a person with asthma are very sensitive. Even things that are not a problem for a normal person can increase the symptoms of an asthmatic. We call these 'triggers'. It is very important to be aware of these.

• Allergens: Things like dust, pollen, pet dander, cockroaches, and mold.
• Respiratory infections: Viral infections such as colds and flu.
• Exercise: Some people experience asthma symptoms only when they exercise.
• Weather changes: extreme cold or dry air, sudden changes in weather.
• Strong odors and smoke: tobacco smoke (even passive smoking), perfumes, cleaning chemicals, air pollution.
• Some medications: Some painkillers such as aspirin.
• Food: Some people may be allergic to foods containing preservatives (sulfites) (e.g. dried fruits, pickles).
• Strong emotions: Excessive happiness, sadness, fear, or stress can also cause changes in breathing patterns and worsen asthma.
• Gastritis (GERD): Some people's asthma also worsens due to stomach acid coming up into the throat.

How is asthma diagnosed?

If you suspect you have asthma, see your family doctor. He or she will ask about your symptoms and examine you. If necessary, they may refer you to a lung specialist (pulmonologist).

There are several main tests that are done to confirm asthma:

• Spirometry: This is a simple breathing test. You are asked to blow hard into a device. It measures how fast and how much air you can exhale from your lungs.
• Peak Flow Meter: This is a small device that you can use at home. It can also measure the speed of your breathing. This can help you see if your asthma is under control.
• Other tests: Sometimes, things like a chest X-ray and allergy tests may be done.

What are the treatments for asthma?

Asthma cannot be cured completely, but with the right treatment, you can control your symptoms and live a normal life. Your doctor will create an Asthma Action Plan based on the severity of your asthma.

Treatment is mainly divided into two parts:

1. Quick-Relief / Rescue Medications

These are used to provide quick relief when asthma symptoms occur. They quickly relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe.

• Short-acting beta-agonists: These are what we commonly call a 'rescue inhaler'. An example is Albuterol/Salbutamol. You should always keep this with you.

2. Long-Term Control / Controller Medications

These are used daily, even when there are no symptoms. The goal is to reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent an asthma attack.

• Inhaled Corticosteroids: These are the most important and commonly used type of medication for asthma control. They reduce swelling in the airways.
• Long-acting beta-agonists (LABA): These also widen the airways, but they work for several hours. They are usually given as a combination inhaler with inhaled corticosteroids.
• Leukotriene modifiers: These are medications taken as pills. They also help control swelling in the airways. For example: (Montelukast).

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