Asthma:
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways, characterized by symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness that vary in intensity and frequency. Once diagnosed, individuals experience these symptoms intermittently, with the disease manifesting as acute flare-ups, chronic intermittent asthma, or stable asthma. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asthma is a chronic lung disease affecting people of all ages, caused by airway inflammation, mucus accumulation, and muscle tightening around the airways, which make breathing difficult. Acute asthma flare-ups can be triggered by factors like recent viral infections, sudden temperature changes, exposure to fumes, strenuous exercise, emotional stress, or discontinuation of inhaler use. These severe episodes typically onset abruptly and require immediate medical attention.
Acute Asthma:
An acute flare-up of asthma, also known as an asthma exacerbation, primarily involves inflammation and obstruction of the medium and small airways. This results in increased muscle thickness around the airways, causing narrowing and restricted airflow, which leads to symptoms such as chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. While a mild attack may last for a few minutes, severe episodes can persist for several hours to days. These exacerbations are characterized by a progressive worsening of symptoms and a decrease in lung function, potentially necessitating emergency medical intervention or hospitalization. Without prompt treatment, asthma flares can be fatal. Despite its severity, asthma can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment, which helps control symptoms and maintain lung function.
Chronic asthma:
Chronic asthma refers to a condition where acute asthma exacerbations worsen over time and become less responsive to standard treatments. Various factors contribute to the development of chronic asthma, including respiratory viral infections, allergens like house dust mites and pollens, air pollution, stress, anxiety, exposure to fumes, and sudden exertional activities. However, the term “chronic asthma” is no longer commonly used; instead, current terminologies focus on describing the different states of symptomatic control.
The terminology now used to describe asthma control states includes “uncontrolled asthma,” “difficult-to-treat asthma,” and “severe asthma.” Uncontrolled asthma indicates poor symptom control and frequent exacerbations. Difficult-to-treat asthma occurs when patients continue to experience symptoms despite being on medium to high doses of medications. It’s important to note that this term doesn’t imply a “difficult patient”; rather, it may be due to factors such as incorrect inhaler technique, poor adherence to medication, smoking, comorbidities, or incorrect diagnosis.
Severe asthma is a subset of patients who remain uncontrolled even after confirming the diagnosis, ensuring adherence to therapy, correcting inhalation techniques, and addressing comorbidities. Such patients may require evaluation for newly developed medications known as biologic therapies, which can target specific pathways involved in asthma inflammation and provide additional treatment options.
Mastering Chronic Asthma:
Asthma treatment typically involves a variety of medications such as inhaled bronchodilators, leukotriene antagonists, immunotherapy, and biologicals, which are selected based on the individual’s condition and severity of symptoms. These medications are aimed at reducing inflammation and achieving symptom control, with immunotherapy specifically targeting the modification of the body’s response to allergens. Despite asthma being viewed as a manageable condition, it is a complex medical disorder, and untreated asthma can lead to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, adherence to prescribed treatment regimens and regular monitoring of symptoms are crucial for preventing severe outcomes.
Conclusion:
Understanding the risks associated with asthma is crucial for individuals with the condition. Consulting a medical practitioner is essential for distinguishing between acute and chronic asthma symptoms, as they can diagnose any underlying issues and help determine the best course of action. It’s important not to let asthma hinder your enjoyment of life. With the appropriate treatment plan advised by your pulmonologist, you can lead a healthy and fulfilling life despite having asthma.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
