Understanding Asthma: Triggers and Treatments

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that impacts millions of people around the world. It causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. While it is commonly diagnosed in childhood, asthma can develop at any age and may vary in severity from mild to life-threatening. The following blog will dive into the truth about asthma, read to learn more!

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by airway obstruction and inflammation. It is primarily driven by an exaggerated immune response to various environmental and genetic factors. In asthma, the bronchial tubes (airway) become inflamed and constricted, leading to narrowing of the airways, which limits airflow and results in symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms can be triggered or worsened by allergens like pollen and dust mites, respiratory infections, air pollutants, exercise, or stress. Nearly 28 million people in the U.S. have asthma. This equals about 1 in 12 people. Nearly 23 million U.S. adults ages 18 and older have asthma.

What Causes Asthma?

Understanding the causes of asthma is essential for managing and preventing symptoms. While the exact cause of asthma isn't fully understood, it's believed to result from a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers. Some common causes of asthma are:

·      Genetic Factors- Genetics plays a significant role in the development of asthma. If you have a family history of asthma or other allergic conditions like hay fever, eczema, or allergic rhinitis, you are at a higher risk of developing asthma yourself. Researchers believe that specific genes can make the immune system more prone to reacting abnormally to harmless substances, triggering the inflammation seen in asthma. These genetic factors may influence how the immune system responds to allergens and irritants, which can increase the likelihood of asthma developing.

·      Environmental Factors- Environment is one of the primary contributors to the development and exacerbation of asthma. Exposure to certain environmental triggers can either provoke the onset of asthma symptoms or worsen existing asthma. These triggers vary for everyone, but common ones include allergens, air pollution, smoke, weather, and respiratory infections.

·      Lifestyle- There is a growing body of research suggesting that obesity can be a risk factor for developing asthma. The exact relationship between the two isn't fully understood, but it is believed that excess weight can contribute to inflammation in the body, including in the airways. Obesity can make asthma symptoms worse by increasing the work of breathing and reducing lung function. Poor diet and lack of physical activity can also contribute to asthma by promoting inflammation and affecting overall lung health.

·      hormonal changes, particularly during puberty or pregnancy, can influence asthma. Hormonal fluctuations can also affect the severity and frequency of asthma attacks, particularly in women, which is why asthma is sometimes more difficult to control during certain phases of life.

Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person, ranging from mild to severe levels of discomfort and breathing difficulties. Some common symptoms of asthma are:

·      Wheezing- Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when breathing, especially when exhaling. It’s a result of narrowed airways, which make it difficult for air to flow freely in and out of the lungs.

·      Shortness of Breath- People with asthma may have trouble breathing or feel like they can't get enough air. This can happen suddenly or after physical activity, and it’s typically more pronounced during asthma flare-ups.

·      Coughing- Asthma related coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning, or after physical activity or exposure to asthma triggers. The cough is usually dry and persistent and may worsen when the individual is exposed to allergens, pollutants, or irritants.

·      Tightness in the Chest- Many individuals with asthma describe a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest, as if something is squeezing or sitting on their chest. This can be particularly noticeable during or after exercise or when asthma symptoms worsen.

·      Fatigue- Chronic asthma symptoms or frequent flare-ups can cause fatigue, as the body uses extra energy to breathe properly, particularly during times when the airways are narrowed or inflamed.

Types of Asthma

Asthma can be classified into several types based on triggers, severity, or age of onset. Each type has unique characteristics that may require different approaches to treatment and management. Here are the most common types of asthma:

·      Allergic Asthma- This type of asthma is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, or certain foods. It’s often linked to other allergic conditions like hay fever or eczema.

·      Non-Allergic Asthma- Unlike allergic asthma, non-allergic asthma is not triggered by allergens but by other factors like respiratory infections, cold air, smoke, strong odors, or stress.

·      Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)- This type of asthma is triggered by physical activity, particularly exercise in cold, dry air. The airways constrict during or after exercise, leading to breathing difficulties.

·      Adult-Onset Asthma- This type of asthma develops in adulthood, typically after the age of 20. It may be triggered by environmental factors or respiratory infections and is often less responsive to treatment.

·      Nocturnal Asthma- This type of asthma causes symptoms that are worse at night or early in the morning, often disrupting sleep. It can be triggered by factors like allergens in the bedroom or changes in the body’s hormone levels.

·      Eosinophilic Asthma- This type of asthma is characterized by an increased presence of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in the inflammatory process. It is often more severe and less responsive to standard asthma treatments.

·      Severe Asthma- A more intense form of asthma that does not respond well to standard treatments and may require higher doses of medication or advanced therapies.

Asthma Treatments

There are both quick and long-term treatments for asthma. These treatments are extremely beneficial to people who suffer from asthma. Some common treatments include of:

·      Short-Acting Beta Agonists (SABAs) “Inhaler”- Medications like albuterol are used to relax the muscles around the airways. This quickly relieves the wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness during an asthma flare-up.

·      Anticholinergics- Medications like ipratropium that block acetylcholine to help open the airways during an asthma attack when a beta agonist isn't enough.

·      Bronchial Thermoplasty- A procedure that uses heat to reduce the smooth muscle in the airways, making it less likely to constrict, helping to reduce asthma symptoms for people with severe asthma

·      Breathing Exercises- Techniques like diaphragmatic or pursed lip breathing that help improve airflow and control symptoms, especially during asthma flare-ups or anxiety.

·      Allergy Shots (Allergen Immunotherapy)- A treatment for allergic asthma, where gradual exposure to specific allergens via injections helps desensitize the immune system, reducing asthma symptoms over time.

·      Emergency Medications and Care- In cases of severe asthma attacks, immediate treatments such as oxygen therapy, corticosteroids, and intravenous medications may be administered in a hospital to stabilize the patient.

Citation:

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Asthma.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Jan. 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653

Plus, Medline. “Asthma | Asthma Symptoms | Asthma Attack.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2024, https://medlineplus.gov/asthma.html

Association, American Lung. “What Is Asthma?” American Lung Association, 24 Jan. 2024, https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/learn-about-asthma/what-is-asthma

“Asthma.” NHS Choices, NHS, 2024 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/