What is asthma and how is it managed?

Understanding Asthma: A Guide for Everyone

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that causes breathing difficulties, which can be effectively managed through proper treatment, education, and self-monitoring to prevent serious complications and improve quality of life. 1

What is Asthma?

Asthma affects the airways in your lungs, causing them to become inflamed and sensitive. When these airways react to certain triggers, they:

• Become narrow and swollen
• Produce extra mucus
• Make breathing difficult
• Cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath

These symptoms are often worse at night or early morning and may vary in intensity 1, 2.

What Happens in Your Airways

During an asthma episode:

1. Inflammation: The lining of your airways becomes swollen and inflamed
2. Bronchoconstriction: Muscles around your airways tighten
3. Mucus production: Extra mucus is produced, clogging airways
4. Airway remodeling: Over time, structural changes can occur in the airways 2

Common Symptoms

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Persistent coughing, especially at night or early morning
• Symptoms that worsen with triggers 1, 2

Common Triggers

Asthma symptoms can be triggered by:

• Allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander)
• Exercise
• Cold air
• Respiratory infections
• Environmental irritants and chemicals
• Tobacco smoke
• Certain medications (aspirin, NSAIDs, beta-blockers)
• Strong emotions or stress 2

Types of Asthma

Asthma can be classified as:

• Intermittent: Symptoms occur less than twice a week
• Persistent: Symptoms occur more frequently
  • Mild
  • Moderate
  • Severe 3

Other types include:

• Allergic asthma
• Non-allergic asthma
• Occupational asthma
• Exercise-induced asthma
• Cough-variant asthma 3

Diagnosing Asthma

Asthma diagnosis is primarily based on:

• Your symptoms and medical history
• Physical examination
• Lung function tests (spirometry)
• Peak flow measurements
• Response to asthma medications 1, 2

Managing Your Asthma

The Partnership Approach

Successful asthma management requires a partnership between you and your healthcare provider. This includes:

• Understanding your condition
• Learning to recognize and avoid triggers
• Following your treatment plan
• Regular monitoring of your symptoms 1

Medication Options

Asthma medications fall into two main categories:

1. Quick-relief medications (rescue medications):

   • Short-acting bronchodilators like albuterol
   • Used to quickly open airways during an asthma attack
   • Should be carried at all times 4

2. Long-term control medications:

   • Anti-inflammatory medications (inhaled corticosteroids)
   • Taken daily to reduce airway inflammation
   • Help prevent symptoms and attacks 1

Self-Monitoring

Learning to monitor your asthma is crucial:

• Use a peak flow meter to measure how well air moves out of your lungs
• Track your symptoms in an asthma diary
• Know when to adjust medications or seek help 1

When to Seek Emergency Help

Get immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe shortness of breath or wheezing
• No improvement after using rescue medication
• Difficulty speaking due to breathlessness
• Bluish lips or fingernails
• Extreme anxiety due to breathing difficulty 5

Living Well with Asthma

With proper management, most people with asthma can lead normal, active lives:

• Take medications as prescribed
• Identify and avoid your triggers
• Get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly with proper precautions
• Manage stress effectively 1, 2

Special Considerations

Asthma in Children

• Symptoms may differ from adults
• Growth should be monitored during treatment
• School performance may be affected by poorly controlled asthma 1

Asthma and Pregnancy

• Well-controlled asthma during pregnancy is important for mother and baby
• Most asthma medications are safe during pregnancy
• Uncontrolled asthma poses greater risks than medications 6

The Future of Asthma Care

Research continues to improve our understanding of asthma and develop new treatments, including:

• Targeted biological therapies for severe asthma
• Better understanding of different asthma subtypes
• Improved self-management tools 6

Remember, while asthma is a chronic condition, with proper management, you can control your symptoms and lead a full, active life.