Asthma is a chronic disease that has an effect on the airways in your lungs. Your airways are the breathing tubes that help move air in and out of your lungs. There are two main problems in asthma: swelling and increased mucus (inflammation) in the airways, and squeezing of the muscles around the airways (bronchospasm). These problems can make it difficult to breathe. Controlling asthma: There are some easy things a patient can do such as taking medications and staying away from things that trigger their asthma. The basics of asthma will be covered in this fact sheet—what it is, how it is diagnosed, and what some common triggers are.
How do I know if I have asthma?
Common asthma symptoms are: Acough – often dry and harsh bursts can be strangulated Wheezing – mainly a whistling sound when you breathe through the narrowed airways Wheezing – shortness of breath that can occur with activity or even at rest When you are having problems with asthma, you may feel like you are breathing through a straw because it is difficult to move air through your narrowed airways.Coughing is very common for the first symptom of an asthma problem. Coughing occurs most often at night or early in the morning. Although asthma is a chronic disease, you do not necessarily experience symptoms every day. You may have days when you experience coughing, wheezing, and/or shortness of breath, but there will also be other days when you are absolutely fine.
If symptoms occur commonly or if they begin to interfere with one's daily activities, such issues definitely need to be discussed with one's health care provider. What is sometimes colloquially referred to as an "asthma attack" is actually the definition of an acute and severe exacerbation of asthma. If you believe this may happen to you, continue with the action plan, which sets a red zone for your case, and report yourself to emergency action. In case of deterioration or if your condition is not improving, go straight to emergency care.
Asthma Diagnosis
Asthma is often suspected by a doctor based on a pattern of symptoms and response to a medication called a bronchodilator that can relieve the squeeze of the muscles around the airways. In people over the age of 5, the diagnosis is confirmed using a test known as spirometry, a type of pulmonary function test-PFT. This test can be used to diagnose narrowing (obstruction) in the airways. Summary Conclusion A normal breathing test may by no means conclude that one is not experiencing asthma, as a provider will refer you under different testing. More information concerning pulmonary function testing can be obtained at www.thoracic.org/patients, ATS series of patient information. If you have a diagnosis of asthma but are experiencing little improvement due to treatment you should meet with an asthma specialist. For a while, asthma can sometimes be difficult to control. At times, other medical problems can actually exacerbate or complicate asthma. They may advise you to look for other related conditions that will cause your symptoms, such as allergies, sinus disease, VCD, ILO, gastric reflux (heartburn), and heart conditions. You and your healthcare provider will need to consider what tests or treatments you will need to ensure that you accomplish effective asthma control that improves your quality of life. What triggers your asthma? If you have asthma, your airways are supersensitive compared to normal. There are lots of things called "triggers" that can easily irritate your airways. Exposure to a trigger can induce both the muscle spasms and inflammation/swelling described.Symptoms will sometimes occur straight after exposure
Sometimes your symptoms can be delayed to just a few hours after you're exposed to them. You'll be a detective and try to think of what might be happening around you that might cause your asthma. Knowing and avoiding your triggers is a useful part of managing asthma. Some triggers can't be avoided or controlled, and some may require treatment to stop causing asthma symptoms. Common asthma triggers include allergens, respiratory infections, stress, exercise, and medications.Allergies
Allergies are reactions of your immune system as it responds to things in the environment (allergens) that often don't cause harm to most people. Having allergies can run in families (be inherited). You may have any or all of these reactions with exposure to an allergen: a skin rash (eczema or hives) a nose and sinus problems (rhinitis) an eye irritation (conjunctivitis) an asthma symptom an anaphylactic reaction Symptoms of a nasal allergy may include sneezing, itching, runny nose, postnasal drip down the back of your throat, or nasal congestion. If a nasal allergy problem isn't well controlled, it can also worsen asthma control. Having allergies is very highly correlated with asthma. The most common allergens are: Pollen from weeds, trees, grasses A cat or dog irritated by dust mites and cockroachesThings that can irritate the airways, causing asthma symptoms, are called irritants. These are not allergens. Examples of airway irritants include: Dust particles Weather changes Outdoor air pollution that includes ozone, smog, and exhaust fumes Chemicals, such as pest control sprays or indoor cleaning products A smell from paint, hair spray, perfume or cologne A smell from smoke or cologne Vapors from cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, marijuana, hookah and pipes
Respiratory infections
Bronchitis, pneumonia, lung abscess or sinus infections account for the most common cause of acute asthma hospitalizations. These are the most common cause of school/work absences in children and adults. In addition, infections produce a susceptibility to prolonged episodes of wheezing, and shortness of breath. Whenever you develop a respiratory infection, you should implement your action plan as you progress to medical evaluation if your symptoms worsen. Some of the ways through which one can protect themselves against respiratory infections include vaccinations. Discuss what vaccinations are appropriate for you with your health care provider and share your concerns with him or her about vaccinations.Other common triggers
Be aware that these exist and be aware of how they may affect you: A stressor -discuss with your health care provider things that cause you stress and learn techniques to relieve your stress. A medication, including aspirin and beta-blockers (medications often used for heart or blood pressure) A sulfites (a type of preservative) in foods/drinks, such as dried fruit, wine and beer.Action steps
• Asthma is a chronic disease that can be managed. Seek help if you are having asthma problems.• If you experience shortness of breath, wheezing, feeling of tightness in the chest and coughing talk to your provider to see if you have asthma.
• Pay attention to certain conditions or things around you that you were exposed to when you had these shortness of breath or coughing to know at what time they may affect you as allergens or if you can avoid them. Make sure you get an asthma action plan and follow it with your asthma care provider.
• Use the right vaccines and maintain proper hand hygiene and also get rid of unhygienic contacts.
