Asthma

Asthma

Asthma, a condition characterized by inflammation in the airways, causes narrowing and swelling of the lung passages, resulting in symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

Asthma occurs when an asthma attack triggers the tightening of muscles around the airways and swelling of their lining, reducing airflow. This reaction is often prompted by allergens or other triggers, including pet dander, dust, cold weather, chemical irritants, exercise, mold, pollen, respiratory infections, stress, and tobacco smoke.

In some patients, asthma can be provoked by aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Many individuals with asthma have a personal or family history of allergies, while others do not.

Symptoms of asthma typically include intermittent attacks separated by symptom-free periods, with some experiencing chronic shortness of breath punctuated by episodes of exacerbated symptoms. Wheezing or coughing may predominate as the main symptoms. Asthma attacks can vary in duration and severity, potentially becoming dangerous if airflow is severely restricted.

Emergency symptoms may include a bluish tint to the lips and face, decreased alertness, extreme difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, severe anxiety, and sweating.

Diagnosis often involves allergy testing to identify triggers and respiratory irritants. Common allergens include cockroach allergens, dust mites, molds, pet dander, and pollens, while irritants may include fumes from burning wood or gas, pollution, and tobacco smoke.

Treatment aims to manage symptoms by avoiding triggers and controlling airway inflammation. Medications fall into two categories: control drugs to prevent attacks and quick-relief drugs for use during attacks. Control drugs include inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonist inhalers, while quick-relief drugs encompass short-acting bronchodilators.

Patients are encouraged to develop self-care skills, such as recognizing symptoms, using peak flow meters, understanding triggers, and having an asthma action plan in place. This plan should outline medication usage during stable periods, strategies to avoid triggers, and indications for seeking medical assistance. Peak flow meters help monitor lung function, with values indicating the severity of an asthma attack.