Asthma: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention & Treatment Strategies

You have surely heard about asthma before. This is quite a common condition, but it can often be mistaken for other health problems and may go undiagnosed. Therefore, it is important to know as many details about it as possible.

Asthma – useful information about the condition

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects people of all ages. It is caused by inflammation of the muscles around the airways, which makes breathing more difficult.

Symptoms can include cough, wheezing during breathing, difficulty breathing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can come and go over time.

Although asthma can be a serious condition, it can be managed with the right treatment. People who experience specific symptoms should discuss them with their family doctor or an allergist.

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About Asthma Disease

Asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow and swell, and can produce more mucus than is normally needed. This can affect breathing and trigger coughing, and can cause shortness of breath. For some people, asthma is just a minor nuisance. For others, however, the condition can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities.

Asthma – Causes

Numerous factors have been associated with the development of asthma, although identifying a single direct cause remains a challenge for researchers. One significant risk factor is family history, especially when close family members, such as parents or siblings, have had asthma. This suggests a genetic predisposition in the onset of the disease. Asthma is strongly associated with other allergic conditions, such as allergic rhinitis. People affected by such conditions have an increased risk of developing asthma, indicating a complex link between the immune system and allergic reactions.

Urbanization is also correlated with an increased prevalence of asthma. Air pollution, exposure to chemicals, and other irritants can contribute to this phenomenon. Additionally, events occurring in the early stages of life can influence lung development and increase the risk of asthma. These include low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to cigarette smoke and other air-polluting sources, as well as viral respiratory infections. Exposure to various environmental allergens and irritants is also considered a possible risk factor for asthma development. We can consider house dust mites, mold, and exposure to chemicals, fumes, or dust as allergens.

Last but not least, obese children and adults or those with a weight above average are at higher risk of developing asthma. This highlights the complex links between respiratory health and the overall state of the body.

What complications does an asthma attack have?

• Fatigue or exhaustion;
• Poor quality sleep;
• Reduced productivity at work or during studies;
• Inability to exercise and be physically active;
• Decreased lung function;
• Mental health problems.

Asthma – Symptoms in Adults

The manifestation of the condition varies from person to person, but the most common signs of asthma onset and its associated symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing, with a feeling of shortness of breath even at rest;
• Wheezing during exhalation, which is a distinctive sign, especially in children;
• Coughing, which may occur in certain circumstances, such as at night, early in the morning, or in cold weather conditions;
• A feeling of tightness in the chest;
• Increased fatigue.

In case of an asthma attack, symptoms can become more severe and may include:

• Difficulty speaking;
• Bluish lips;
• No improvement after using medication;
• Intense feeling of discomfort or exhaustion caused by the effort of breathing;

Signs that asthma is worsening can include:

• Symptoms becoming more frequent;
• Increased difficulty breathing, measured with a device to check lung function;
• Needing to use an inhaler more often than usual.

Some people may experience exacerbations of symptoms in certain situations, such as:

• Exercise-induced asthma, which can be more pronounced in dry air;
• Work-related asthma, triggered by environmental irritants like chemical fumes or dust;
• Asthma can also be triggered by airborne substances such as pollen, mold, or particles of skin and dried saliva from pets.

Types of Asthma

There are several types of asthma, differentiated by their cause and the severity of symptoms. Healthcare professionals classify asthma into the following categories:

• Intermittent asthma: this occurs and disappears, so that between asthma episodes, the person feels normal.
• Persistent asthma: this type is characterized by frequent symptoms. They can be mild, moderate, or severe. The severity of asthma is assessed based on the frequency of symptoms and the ability to perform activities during an asthma attack.
• Allergic asthma: as the name suggests, this is triggered by seasonal allergies.
• Non-allergic asthma: approximately 10% to 33% of those suffering from asthma have the non-allergic form of this condition. It typically manifests later in life compared to allergic asthma.
• According to some research, non-allergic asthma appears to be associated with greater severity compared to other types of asthma. Some studies indicate a higher prevalence of this form among women.
• Nocturnal asthma: noticeable symptoms during sleep may indicate pre-existing nocturnal asthma.

There are also specific categories of asthma:

• Adult-onset asthma: this type of asthma begins after the age of 18;
• Pediatric asthma: also known as childhood asthma, this often begins before the age of 5 and can occur in infants and young children.

Additionally, there are specific types of asthma:

• Exercise-induced asthma: this type is triggered when we exercise, also called exercise-induced bronchospasm;
• Occupational asthma: mainly occurs in people who work around irritants;
• COPD overlap syndrome: occurs when you have both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Both conditions make breathing difficult.

Asthma Tests – What is Recommended?

A doctor may use a stethoscope to listen to your breathing and may recommend tests such as:

• Spirometry: a simple test that measures the capacity of your lungs to inhale and exhale air. It can also be done after using a bronchodilator to assess breathing improvement.
• Allergy tests: identify allergens that can affect breathing. A skin test involves applying diluted allergens to the skin and observing the allergic reaction.
• Chest X-ray: an image of the lungs to detect any airway blockages.
• Blood allergy tests: measure the level of immunoglobulin E in the blood, an antibody associated with allergic reactions. It is useful for those who cannot undergo skin tests.

Asthma diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation to identify symptoms, triggers, and potential allergies.

Symptoms of Asthma in Children

• Cough: persistent coughing, especially at night before bed or in the morning, can be a sign of asthma.
• Wheezing: making a sound during breathing, known as wheezing, can indicate narrowed airways.
• Difficulty breathing: the child may have trouble inhaling or exhaling, exhibiting rapid or shallow breathing.
• Gasping: the sound of gasping during breathing can be a sign of airway obstruction.
• Chest pain or pressure: older children may describe sensations of discomfort in the chest area.
• Decreased physical activity: children with asthma may intentionally avoid physical activities due to breathing difficulties.
• Frequent colds: children with asthma may tend to get sick more often and have more severe respiratory symptoms during colds.
• Coughing episodes after exposure to allergens or irritants: these can include pollen, dust, tobacco smoke, or cold air.

Children under five years old may find breathing tests quite difficult, especially if they are in the middle of an asthma attack. However, the results are necessary for diagnosis.

Asthma – Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

It is extremely important to know as much as possible about this condition. This way, we can monitor symptoms and make the right decision about visiting the doctor.

When to See a Doctor:

Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening. It is necessary to contact our family doctor to determine what to do when signs and symptoms worsen.

Signs of an asthma emergency include:

• Rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing in the chest;
• No improvement even after using an inhaler;
• Difficulty breathing during minimal physical activity.

If you have frequent coughing or wheezing that lasts for more than a few days, or any other specific sign of asthma, consult your doctor. Treating the disease in its early stages can prevent long-term lung damage and help keep the condition under control.

Monitoring asthma after diagnosis is as important as its detection. Asthma changes over time. Meet with your doctor regularly to discuss your symptoms and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment. Long-term control helps you feel better day by day and can prevent a life-threatening asthma attack.

If your symptoms worsen, you need to change your treatment plan. Do not take more medication without consulting your doctor first. Overdosing on asthma medication can cause side effects and worsen the condition.

Asthma treatment may include:

• Bronchodilators: these medications relax the muscles around the airways. Relaxed muscles allow the airways to facilitate airflow. They also facilitate the movement of mucus through the airways. These medications relieve symptoms when they occur and are used for intermittent and chronic asthma.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: reduce inflammation and excessive mucus production in the airways. Your family doctor or allergist can prescribe them to be taken daily to control or prevent chronic asthma symptoms.
• Biologic therapies for asthma: these are used for severe asthma when symptoms persist despite correct inhaler therapy.

Asthma Prevention

Asthma cannot be entirely prevented. However, there are some ways to reduce the risk of an asthma attack.

• Flu vaccination: flu and respiratory viruses are the most common triggers for asthma.
• Allergy management: allergies affect the symptoms we experience. Treating allergic rhinitis, for example, and avoiding triggers helps manage the disease. Also, a balanced diet helps us maintain a healthy weight.
• Smoke-free living: quit smoking and avoid passive exposure to cigarette smoke.
• Regular doctor visits: asthma should be regularly assessed and managed. Ensure your asthma treatment plan is updated frequently.

What Fruits Are Good for Asthma?

More and more people are turning to natural prevention methods because they are proving effective. For example, fruits contain many vitamins that are effective for this condition. Here, we can refer to kiwi, which helps reduce inflammation, blueberries and blackcurrants which have a high antioxidant content, as well as oranges, pineapple, or avocado. Also, we must not forget about aronia, a plant beneficial for over 100 conditions. These fruits contain Vitamins C, E, K, P, Q, and more.

Vitamin C has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help manage oxidative stress associated with inflammation. You can find these vitamins and other supportive ingredients in the product Curcuma ECO Forte. It is also available in DM stores.

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Our unique and advanced formula contains:

• Organic turmeric root powder extract;
• Eco-friendly vegan capsules;
• A rich complex of vitamins (C, E, K, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and many others).

According to scientific research, turmeric is recognized for its antihistamine properties, which help reduce allergy symptoms. Regular integration of turmeric capsules into our daily diet can diminish allergy-related manifestations and facilitate the transition between seasons. Include turmeric food supplements in your diet and keep allergy symptoms under control!

Furthermore, due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties, turmeric contributes to the prevention of lung diseases. Research shows that this remarkable plant supports the relaxation of the airways, benefiting the entire respiratory system.

Therefore, asthma can be kept under control! Consider the information and advice above and choose to prevent and treat it naturally!

References:

Asthma
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma

Asthma
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/

What Is Asthma?
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma