Asthma

What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition where your airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus.

Key Insight: Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. With the right treatment, most people live active, normal lives—including professional athletes.

Symptoms

Symptoms range from a minor nuisance to a life-threatening attack. They may flare up only during exercise or be present all the time.

• Wheezing: A whistling sound when exhaling (a classic sign, especially in children).
• Shortness of Breath: Feeling like you can't get enough air.
• Chest Tightness: Feeling like a band is tightening around your chest.
• Coughing: Especially at night or early morning.

⚠️ ASTHMA ATTACK EMERGENCY
Seek emergency care immediately if:

• You have rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing.
• There is no improvement after using your quick-relief (rescue) inhaler.
• You are short of breath even when doing minimal physical activity.
• Lips or fingernails turn blue.

Common Triggers

Understanding what triggers your asthma is the first step in prevention.

1. Allergens (Allergic Asthma)

• Pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold.
• Cockroach waste.

2. Irritants

• Smoke (cigarette smoke is a major trigger).
• Strong odors (perfumes, cleaning chemicals).
• Air pollution.

3. Physical & Environmental

• Exercise-Induced Asthma: Worse when air is cold and dry.
• Respiratory Infections: Colds and the flu.
• Stress: Strong emotions can trigger hyperventilation.

Diagnosis

Doctors use lung function tests to see how much air moves in and out as you breathe.

• Spirometry: Measures how much air you can exhale and how fast.
• Peak Flow Meter: A simple handheld device that measures how hard you can blow air out. Low readings are an early warning sign that an attack is coming.
• Methacholine Challenge: A test used if spirometry is normal but asthma is still suspected.

Treatment

Treatment usually involves two types of medications. Knowing the difference is vital for safety.

1. Quick-Relief (Rescue Inhalers)

Used for: Stopping an attack now.
These open swollen airways within minutes. You should carry this with you at all times.

• Albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin).
• Levalbuterol (Xopenex).

2. Long-Term Control (Maintenance)

Used for: Preventing attacks later.
These are taken daily to reduce inflammation. They do not work fast enough to stop an active attack.

• Inhaled Corticosteroids: (Flovent, Pulmicort).
• Combination Inhalers: (Advair, Symbicort).
• Leukotriene Modifiers: (Singulair).

The Asthma Action Plan

Every asthma patient should have a written Asthma Action Plan created with their doctor. It uses a traffic light system:

• Green Zone: Doing well. No symptoms.
• Yellow Zone: Coughing/Wheezing. Use rescue inhaler.
• Red Zone: Medical Emergency. Get help now.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.