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Have you ever felt winded up because of shortness of breath or wheezing after exercising? If yes, you might have become cautious if it is asthma! Well, asthma is a very common lung condition affecting millions worldwide. Even though there are some discomforts related to this issue, it usually does not hinder your daily life. This is particularly true if you are receiving the right treatment and care. Keep reading to know if you have asthma. If so, then what steps should you take to deal with it?
Synopsis
Understanding Asthma: Its Types and Treatments
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition. This means this health issue does not ever leave you completely. It affects your airways and causes inflammation. You may face breathing trouble because of narrowed airways. Moreover, several triggers can make one even more sensitive.
The most common symptoms of asthma are:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- A whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe
- Chest tightness and
- Coughing
You can consult an experienced pulmonologist to determine whether you have asthma or not. Nevertheless, understanding its different types and causes may help you become a bit surer. A generalised treatment approach for each of them will also help you handle the situation by yourself for the time being.
Allergic Asthma
This is the most common type. Exposure to things that cause an allergic reaction (allergen) triggers this condition. These triggers can be:
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Mould
- Certain foods
Allergic asthma makes your immune system overreact. An inflammatory response occurs in your airways. Thus, it becomes difficult for you to breathe.
Treatment:
- You must avoid allergens when possible.
- Use medications. For example, inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonists, leukotriene modifiers, and allergy shots (immunotherapy).
Non-allergic Asthma
This condition is also known as intrinsic asthma. It is triggered by other irritants than allergens. The most generic causes of non-allergic asthma are detailed below.
- Respiratory infections, including sinus infection, common cold or flu
- Exercises
- Cold air
- Smoke
- Strong odours or
- Emotional stress
Treatment:
- Identify and avoid triggers whenever possible.
- Medications. For example, inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators (short-acting and long-acting), leukotriene modifiers,
- Biological therapies.
Exercise-induced Asthma (Exercise-induced Bronchoconstriction)
As implied in the name, this type is triggered by physical activities. Your physiological response to exertion often causes it.
If you are wondering whether you should restrict your exercise routine because of this, well, pause for a moment. The following techniques can greatly help you manage the condition.
Treatment:
- Pre-exercise warm-ups
- Use a rescue inhaler before exercise
- Avoid exercise in cold, dry air when possible
- Medications. For example, short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol)
Talk to a specialised professional for a personalised treatment plan and to stay safe.
Occupational Asthma
Repeated exposure to allergens or irritants causes occupational asthma. The usual triggers of this condition are:
- Chemicals
- Dust
- Fumes
- Biological agents
Treatment:
- Identify and avoid workplace triggers
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment
- Medications
Discuss the condition with your doctor and your employer. Request that some adjustments be made in the workplace to avoid these sensitivities. If nothing else works, switch your job.
Childhood Asthma
The exact cause of childhood asthma is thought to be an amalgamation of all the above. This means respiratory infections, environmental factors, or allergens can be the trigger point. Other than that, genetics is a prevalent reason. If any of the parents have asthma, the child is 25% more likely to develop this condition.
Treatment:
- Medications. It might be the ones used for adults only with dosage adjustments.
- Asthma action plans on how you can manage the condition best.
- Education for parents and caregivers.
- Regular follow-up with healthcare providers.
Severe Asthma
Controlling this kind of asthma is often challenging. Even high dosages of medications may fail to manage it. While the exact reasons for severe asthma are still unknown, the most probable triggers are:
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Sinusitis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Psychological factors.
Treatment:
The treatment approach will typically involve a combination of different therapies.
- High-dose inhaled corticosteroids
- Long-acting bronchodilators
- Biological therapies
- Oral corticosteroids and other medications
- Lifestyle modifications
- Addressing underlying conditions
Remember that severe asthma requires you to stay in touch with your doctor constantly. This empowers you to modify the treatment plans as and when necessary. It is important to note that asthma treatment does not cure the condition. They control the symptoms and prevent exacerbations. With proper help, you will be able to minimise the risk of long-term complications. Keep in touch with an experienced pulmonologist to stay at the forefront. You can book an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, Hebbal, Bangalore, today and start your treatment immediately.
FAQ's
Indoor or outdoor allergens can induce asthma. It can also be the result of exercise or emotional stress. However, proper management techniques can help you control this condition.
Yes, there is no doubt about that. All you need is an experienced and specialised medical professional. Understand their guidance, follow the medications they are prescribing, and avoid the trigger points. You will be just fine!
No, asthma is a lifelong condition. You can perfectly manage its symptoms and prevent it from getting worse. However, no treatment plan has yet been able to cure the issue completely.
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