Asthma

Asthma is a very common chronic lung condition affecting around 25 million Americans. It is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths every year, mainly in developing countries where timely access to diagnosis and treatment is a challenge. Asthma can affect anyone of any age, though is more common in childhood and people with allergies.

Symptoms of Asthma

The most alarming asthma symptom is difficulty breathing, causing affected individuals to attend their family doctor or the hospital emergency room during an attack. Symptoms can vary in severity, often following a pattern or being associated with certain triggers.

Common symptoms of asthma include:

• A wheezing sound when exhaling
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent coughing, particularly at night or in the early morning
• Tightness or pain in the chest

You may find your symptoms are worse with viral infections, during allergy flare-ups, or after exercise. Cold air and changes in weather can also exacerbate symptoms, as can strong odors, dust, smoke, or fumes.

The symptoms of asthma can present differently in young children, especially if they haven’t yet developed the language to describe what they’re experiencing. A child with asthma may:

• Cough during sleep or wake frequently through the night
• Avoid vigorous activity to minimize symptoms
• Tire quickly during activities

It is not uncommon for asthma symptoms to change with age over time.

Causes of Asthma

Asthma occurs when the body’s immune system has an overreaction to an otherwise harmless substance, such as pollen. The airways become swollen and restricted, producing excess mucus, which makes breathing more difficult. The muscles surrounding the airways can also contract, further constricting the airways.

The exact causes behind asthma are not fully understood. However, there appears to hereditary links, as children who have a parent with asthma are at an increased risk of developing it themselves. Other factors that have been identified as causing asthma include exposure to environmental allergens as a baby, such as cigarette smoke, or catching some sort of respiratory virus.

Risk factors for asthma include:

• A history of allergy, such as to certain foods or pollens
• Obesity
• African American or Puerto Rican heritage
• Male gender in childhood asthma, and female gender in adult-onset asthma
• Workplace exposure to chemicals or dust
• Climate change leading to air pollution and increased allergies

Managing Asthma

Managing your asthma symptoms may involve several doctors, starting with your family doctor or primary physician. You may be referred to an allergist, ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist, or a lung specialist (pulmonologist).

After ruling out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms to asthma, your doctor is likely to prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways. There are a variety of such medications, which are typically delivered via an inhaler device. Some medications are for routine daily use, while others are prescribed for immediate relief during an asthma attack.

There are also other medications designed to moderate the body’s immune response. These include biological medicines, which are administered via injection, oral corticosteroids, or allergy shots. Your treating specialists are the best people to decide which treatment approach is suitable for you.

Integral to managing asthma is identifying and avoiding any triggers. It may be difficult to recognize all your possible triggers, but here are some common ones:

• Dust mites
• Molds
• Pet fur and dander
• Pollens
• Emotional stress
• Physical exertion
• Respiratory infections, such as COVID-19 or common colds
• Certain medications, such as aspirin
• Air pollution
• Cold air

Your doctor should give you an asthma action plan, which will outline what to do if your symptoms worsen. This will include information on when to call for emergency services, when and how to use your reliever and controller medications, and how to identify if your asthma is worsening.

There is currently no definitive cure for asthma, but it can be effectively managed. Alongside medications and trigger avoidance, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to minimize your asthma symptoms. This includes keeping to a healthy body weight, eating a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, managing stress, and quitting smoking.

If you believe you are suffering from asthma, request an appointment with BergerHenry ENT Specialty Group today.