Chronic asthma – symptoms, causes, and treatments

A chronic respiratory condition, asthma causes inflammation of the airways in the lungs. This swelling causes the airways to constrict and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. For some asthmatic patients, the condition can be a mild and occasional nuisance. However, for others, it can be a major concern, as it could severely impact their daily life. Asthma can’t be cured, however, its symptoms can be managed well so that patients can live a healthy and normal life.

What are the symptoms of asthma?
The symptoms of asthma vary across patients. For instance, one patient might consistently have asthma symptoms, while another person may experience discomfort only during certain times such as while exercising. The following are some common signs of asthma.

• Shortness of breath
• Discomfort in the chest such as pain or tightness
• A wheezing or whistling noise while breathing
• Trouble sleeping due to coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing
• Coughing or wheezing attacks which are aggravated by cold or flu

If these signs get more frequent, then it is an indication of severe asthma which needs timely medical attention and the right plan to prevent flare-ups.

What are the causes of asthma?
As of now, medical investigators haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact cause of the condition. However, they believe that a combination of factors linked to one’s genetics and environment cause asthma.

A trigger is something that can induce or aggravate the symptoms of the condition. When it comes to asthma, every patient might have different triggers. Patients undergoing treatment for severe asthma should pay close attention to their triggers to reduce the frequency of the attacks. The following are some types of asthmatic triggers.

• Airborne matter such as dust mites, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, or particles of insect waste
• Physical activity, i.e., asthma induced by exercise
• Air pollutants and chemical irritants
• Stress
• Cold air
• Respiratory infections
• Preservatives or sulfites in some processed food and beverages
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a condition in which the acids in the stomach back up into a person’s throat

What types of medications are used to treat severe asthma?
The cornerstone of severe asthma treatment is the use of long-term medications that can help reduce the recurrence of the attacks. Such chronic asthma medications are usually taken on a daily basis to keep the symptoms under control.

Types of chronic asthma medications used in the treatment of severe asthma include –

• Inhaled corticosteroids which restrain inflammation levels in the lungs. As compared to oral corticosteroids, these are safer for long-term use.
• Long-acting beta-agonist is a type of inhaled medication which opens up the blocked lung airways.
• Leukotriene modifiers are oral chronic asthma medications that are taken after an attack and help to relieve symptoms for up to 24 hours.
• Combination inhalers comprise a blend of corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists to prevent severe asthma attacks.

Apart from the chronic asthma medications mentioned above, the pulmonologist will also prescribe rescue or quick-relief medications to alleviate the symptoms during an asthma attack.

• Short-acting beta-agonists are an inhaled form of medication which help ease the inflammation in the airways.
• Oral and intravenous corticosteroids are administered to subdue the airway inflammation. Unlike, chronic asthma medications, corticosteroids in such form are just used for a brief period to treat severe asthma symptoms as they can have some serious side-effects.

If the symptoms worsen due to allergies, along with chronic asthma medications, the pulmonologist will ask the patient to get allergy shots in order to increase their resistance against various allergens.

Who is more likely to suffer from severe asthma?
Severe asthma can affect anyone, however, the following factors can amplify the risk of this respiratory condition.

• Allergies
• Smoking
• A family history of asthma
• Being overweight or obese
• Consistent exposure to pollution, fumes or occupational chemicals

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