Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways, specifically the lung bronchioles, which become inflamed and narrowed due to this pathology. This effect causes the lungs to receive less air and the airways, which are the tubes that carry the air we breathe to and from the lungs, are more prone to irritation. It is more common in children and is not transmissible.
Causes of asthma
Combination of factors
The causes of asthma are not clear, although the most widespread theory is that it is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic (hereditary) factors. Asthma can begin, among other causes, as a complication of dust allergy, due to meteorological causes, exposure to pollution or smoke, strong emotions, psychological stress, viral infections or due to increased intestinal permeability.
Asthma symptoms
Difficulty breathing
The most common symptoms of asthma are:
– Difficulty breathing.
– Breathing that emits a kind of whistle.
– Pressure in the chest.
– Frequent attacks of unproductive cough.
– Difficulty falling asleep due to breathing difficulties.
– Itching in the nasal passages, sneezing and stuffiness.
When these symptoms worsen, an asthma attack usually occurs which, if severe, requires emergency medical attention as it is potentially fatal. In an asthma attack, the airways close due to increased mucus production and hardening of the muscles of the bronchial tree, preventing the lungs from receiving oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide and affecting the functioning of the rest of the vital organs.
Symptoms of an asthma attack are:
– Difficulty breathing, even at rest.
– Difficulty speaking.
– A bluish tone appears on the skin.
– Pulse accelerates.
– There is anxiety.
– Alteration of mental clarity.
– Sweating.
A classification of types of asthma can be:
– Exertional asthma.
– Nocturnal asthma.
– Occupational asthma.
– Allergic asthma.
– Seasonal asthma.
Asthma diagnosis
Complementary tests
Having the symptoms listed above does not necessarily mean suffering from the disease. The doctor must make a diagnosis that, in addition to the clinical history and physical examination, includes various pulmonary function tests such as forced spirometry with bronchodilator test, monitoring of maximum respiratory flow, bronchial provocation test or the exhaled fraction of nitric oxide. .
A chest x-ray and probably allergy skin testing will also be done.
Asthma treatment and medication
Long-term medications
The first recommendation is not to smoke, maintain adequate and regular physical activity, avoid environmental pollution and follow a vaccination plan against flu and pneumonia.
At a pharmacological level, the objective is to improve symptoms and prevent attacks. Asthma is usually treated with two types of medication depending on the needs of each case. Medicines are used to achieve rapid improvement and immediate relief and other types of medicines are also used to control the disease in the long term.
In all cases, prolonged and constant use of these medications is recommended. The most common are:
– Inhaled corticosteroids.
– Long-term beta-agonist inhalers.
– Leukotriene modifiers.
– Disodium Cromoglycate.
Quick-relief medications are usually inhaled bronchodilators such as salbutamol and levalbuterol. It is important to know how many times a week you need to use the inhaled bronchodilator because this may mean that your asthma is not under control and means that you should request a priority consultation with a pulmonologist specialist to adjust the medication.
Asthma prevention
Daily habits to prevent attacks
The so-called triggers must be avoided, that is, those elements that cause asthma attacks in those people affected by this pathology. The main triggers are:
– Smoke of any kind (especially tobacco).
– Dust mites.
– Urban pollution.
– Fungi and humidity.
– Pets with a lot of hair.
– Pollen.
– The cold.
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