Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a disease that affects the airways of the lungs (bronchioles). Asthma is caused by chronic inflammation of these airways.

This makes the airways of the asthma patient highly sensitive to various external irritants and allergens.

When bronchioles become inflamed in the presence of any number of external and internal factors, the airways in the lungs swell and fill with mucus.

The muscles around the bronchioles contract, and this condition is also called bronchospasm, which leads to an even stronger narrowing of the airways. This contraction makes exhalations extremely difficult.

This inability of the asthma sufferer to exhale is among the typical symptoms of an asthma attack.

Because asthma causes obstruction of exhaled air, it is called obstructive pulmonary disease.

The medical term for this lung condition is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, and it is actually a group of diseases that includes not only asthma, but also chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Like any other chronic disease, asthma is a condition that the sufferer lives with every single day of their life, and it is possible to have an asthma attack every time you are exposed to one of your “triggers” – irritants, allergens. Unlike other COPDs, asthma is a reversible disease.

Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.

Patients have every chance of controlling their asthma if it is diagnosed early and treatment is started immediately.

With the right treatment, people with asthma have fewer and milder asthma attacks.

Without treatment, asthma attacks are much more frequent and severe, and even fatal.

The good news is that asthma sufferers can lead completely normal lives without restrictions.

In the treatment of asthma, if the patient is under periodic medical supervision, this will allow him to reduce asthma attacks to a minimum.

When the airways in the lungs become irritated or inflamed, an asthma attack occurs.

An asthma attack can come on suddenly or develop slowly over days or hours. The main symptoms that signal an asthma attack are:

• Wheezing;
• Shortness of breath;
• Chest tightness;< /li>
• Cough;
• Difficulty speaking.

Symptoms can appear on any time of the day. However, if they occur at night, it will certainly disturb your sleep.

Wheezing is the most common symptom of an asthma attack as it is associated with a sound that accompanies breathing.

Most often this sound is heard during exhalation, but it can also occur during inhalation. However, not all asthmatics get wheezing and not all people who get wheezing are asthmatics.

Treatment of Asthma

Modern methods of asthma treatment have made significant progress in recent years, aiming to provide patients with the best possible quality of life.

Asthma treatment is individualized and depends on many factors, including the severity of symptoms, the patient’s age, general health, and response to previous therapies.

It is important to emphasize that successful asthma management requires active patient involvement.

This includes not only taking the prescribed medications, but also understanding and avoiding the specific “triggers” or irritants that can trigger an asthma attack.

These triggers can include allergens such as dust, molds and pets, as well as some physical exertion, stress or extreme weather conditions.

Quitting smoking is critical to asthma management. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making asthma symptoms worse.

In addition, smoking can reduce the effectiveness of asthma medications.

Cough medicines and certain types of anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided as they can worsen asthma symptoms.

It is important that patients consult a doctor before taking any new medication.

Using over-the-counter inhalers should also be avoided. Although they may provide temporary relief from symptoms, they do not treat the underlying cause of asthma and can be potentially dangerous if overused.

In addition, it is important to note that asthma management is not limited to medical treatment alone. A healthy lifestyle plays a key role in controlling symptoms.

Regular physical activity, for example, can help improve the overall function of the respiratory system and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

Proper nutrition is also important. Certain foods can trigger allergic reactions that can worsen asthma, while others, such as those rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce inflammation in the airways.< /p>

Also, stress and anxiety can trigger or worsen asthma attacks, so managing stress through techniques such as yoga, meditation or breathing exercises can be helpful.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that although asthma is a chronic disease, with proper management and appropriate treatment, most people with asthma can lead active and healthy lives. em>