Asthma
Asthma is not a weakness; it’s a battle that we fight every day, and each breath taken is a victory won.
– Unknown
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition marked by mucus buildup, inflammation, and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The lungs which are the primary organs of respiration; and responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and the bloodstream are heavily impacted by an asthma attack, and the severity of symptoms varies among individuals, ranging from mild to severe.
Causes Of Asthma
While the exact cause of asthma is not fully understood, a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role. Common triggers include allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, as well as irritants such as smoke, pollution, and respiratory infections.
Here are some of the key causes and risk factors for developing asthma:
Genetics – Having a family history of asthma, especially in parents or siblings, increases risk. Asthma seems to have both genetic and environmental components.
Allergies – Having allergies, eczema or hay fever makes asthma more likely due to similar underlying inflammatory pathways.
Viral respiratory infections – Regular childhood infections, especially of the respiratory tract, have been linked to increased asthma risk.
Exposure to secondhand smoke – Both prenatal and early childhood exposure to cigarette smoke increases asthma chances.
Air pollution – Living in areas with high exposure to ozone, diesel fumes and other outdoor air pollutants can contribute to asthma onset.
Obesity – Being overweight or obese as a child or adult is a risk factor, possibly due to increased inflammation.
Pets – Owning pets during the first year of life may provide protective effects, but later childhood exposure risks allergy development.
Workplace exposures – Certain occupations with frequent chemical, grain or metal exposures have elevated asthma prevalence.
Low vitamin D levels – Deficiency may impair lung immune function and inflammatory response linked to asthma risk.
Overall, genetics, environment, and developmental factors all interact to influence asthma susceptibility over a lifetime.
Asthma Diagnosis
Diagnosing asthma typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of medical history, physical examination, lung function tests, and sometimes additional tests to confirm signs of asthma and rule out other conditions. Below is an overview of the diagnostic process for asthma:
- Medical History: The healthcare provider will first take a detailed medical history, asking about symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. They will inquire about the frequency, duration, and triggers of these symptoms, as well as any family history of asthma or allergies.
- Physical Examination: A physical examination will be conducted to assess respiratory symptoms and signs such as wheezing, decreased breath sounds, and chest tightness. Other signs of asthma, such as nasal congestion, eczema, or allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes), may also be evaluated.
- Lung Function Tests: Lung function tests, including spirometry and peak flow measurement, are essential for diagnosing and monitoring asthma. These tests assess how well the lungs are functioning and help determine the presence and severity of airflow obstruction. Spirometry involves breathing forcefully into a device called a spirometer to measure the amount of air you can exhale and how quickly you can do so. Peak flow measurement involves using a peak flow meter to measure the maximum airflow rate during forced expiration.
- Other Tests: Additional tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions that can mimic asthma or contribute to respiratory symptoms. These may include allergy testing, chest X-rays, exhaled nitric oxide measurement (a marker of airway inflammation), and methacholine challenge test (to assess airway hyperresponsiveness).
Symptoms Of Asthma
As an individual, regularly monitor your body for signs of discomfort or changes that may indicate poor health. Pay close attention to new or unusual sensations and any changes in bodily functions.
Keep a health journal to record any changes in your body’s functions, and educate yourself on how these changes might impact your health. This proactive approach will help you detect subtle changes in your body’s activities and recognize symptoms early, enabling you to take preventive measures against asthma before they become serious. Look out for the following:
- Shortness of Breath: Feeling out of breath can make it difficult to take in air, leaving you winded and suffocated, and causing breathing difficulties.
- Wheezing: A squeaky sound that sometimes occurs when breathing, particularly during exhaling. It is typically not painful but serves as a sign to seek a health check.
- Increased Mucus Production: The body’s overproduction of mucus can result in symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, phlegm in the throat, or excessive coughing up of mucus.
- Coughing: Coughing may help clear the throat and airways of mucus, but persistent or recurrent coughing, especially at night and early in the morning, could indicate a serious problem.
- Chest Tightness: A sensation of pressure or constriction in the chest which can be likened to the feeling of a heavy weight on the chest, leading to discomfort.
- Frequent Nocturnal Symptoms: When coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing worsen at night or during sleep, immediately seek assistance at the nearest health facility.
Asthma Control
Based on the medical history, physical examination, and test results, the healthcare provider will diagnose asthma and create a personalized control plan. This plan may include medications such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, avoidance of triggers and lifestyle changes.
It’s important to note that asthma is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and monitoring. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are essential to assess asthma control, adjust treatment as needed, and address any concerns or changes in symptoms.
Tips on Controlling Asthma:
Take medications as prescribed: This includes both long-term control medications to prevent symptoms and relief medications for active flare-ups. Proper use is key to asthma control.
Monitor for worsening symptoms: Keep track of your peak flow numbers, daytime symptoms, and nighttime wakings. Be aware of early warning signs before an attack happens.
Avoid triggers whenever possible: This may involve staying indoors on high pollen days, using HEPA filters for air purifiers, washing bedding in hot water weekly to reduce dust mites, and not smoking.
Avoid sugar and all saturated fatty foods: These foods can lead to increased mucus and phlegm production, which may obstruct air passages and make breathing difficult. Examples of these foods are:
- Red Meat – Beef, lamb and pork.
- Dairy Products – Whole milk, cheese and butter.
- Processed Meat – Sausages and bacon.
Manage stress: When you’re feeling overwhelmed emotionally, asthma symptoms may flare. Make time for relaxation and coping strategies.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps thin out mucus production in the lungs.
Exercise in moderation: Physical activity should be part of asthma control and must always be done in open air, but listen to your body and stop if symptoms arise.
Work with your doctor: Discuss your asthma treatment plan at regular checkups and adjust medications proactively before symptoms escalate.
Following an asthma action plan consistently, tracking your health metrics, and getting preventive care from your pulmonologist will help you gain control over your condition long-term.
Natural Remedies That Help with Asthma
Acupuncture – This ancient practice may enhance lung function and relaxation response to relieve symptoms.
Yoga/breathing exercises – Deep breathing techniques train lungs and reduce stress, a common asthma trigger.
Aromatherapy – Essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender and frankincense inhalation help decongest when diffused or with a steam inhalation.
Fruits & Vegetables – Adding fruits and vegetables to your diet helps replenish the body of depleted essential nutrients.
Acupressure – Massaging points on ear or hand redirects qi energy flow and loosens chest congestion.
Probiotics – Maintaining gut health with probiotic supplements may support lung immunity against triggers.
Garlic/ Lime/ Ginger & Honey – Blend a clove of garlic, thumb-sized ginger, a tablespoon of honey, and a single fruit of lime juice and dilute the mixture with warm water. Take this mixture to get rid of mucus that fills the airways. This process takes time, but consistent effort will bring about significant change.
Honey – Local honey taken daily may gradually lessen seasonal allergy symptoms for some over time.
It’s best to discuss incorporating any alternative therapies with your doctor to ensure safety and monitor effectiveness. And natural remedies typically work best as a supplement to prescribed maintenance medications.
Conclusion
Living with asthma requires proactive management and collaboration with healthcare professionals. With proper care and adherence to treatment plans, individuals with asthma can lead active and fulfilling lives, effectively minimizing the impact of this chronic respiratory condition.
