Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, affecting 235 million people, according to the World Health Organization. This figure continues to increase, especially in urban areas, due to environmental factors and changes in lifestyle. Those who have asthma know that living with the disease goes far beyond using an inhaler. However, with preventive measures and proper treatment, it is possible to keep it under control.
Dr. Ebymar Arismendi, pulmonologist at the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, assures: “In more than 90% of cases we manage to control the symptoms, prevent crises and ensure that patients have a completely normal life.” The main recommendations are not to smoke and control allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, animals and fungi. Avoiding obesity, following a balanced diet, exercising—always under the recommendations of professionals—and having a good night’s rest are also key to controlling the disease.
In more than 90% of cases we manage to control the symptoms, prevent crises and ensure that patients have a completely normal life.
Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the airways, which reduces the flow of air to and from the lungs. The main triggers are environmental stimuli such as cold air, exercise, allergens, respiratory infections, emotional stress, tobacco smoke, environmental pollution or irritating chemicals. Genetic predisposition also plays an important role. Risk factors include a family history of asthma, exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy, or having suffered a viral respiratory infection in childhood.
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person, both in frequency and severity. The most common are wheezing — a whistling sound caused by air passing through narrow, obstructed airways, especially when air is expelled — cough, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness. Also, nasal symptoms such as sneezing, itching and congestion. It is important to be able to identify when these symptoms are uncontrolled to seek urgent medical attention. Warning signs include difficulty breathing (even at rest), bluish discoloration of the lips or face, rapid pulse, impaired alertness, anxiety, sweating, and chest pain.
Although asthma attacks are a reality, treatment has greatly improved thanks to advances in research. Marina Bantulà, pharmacist and predoctoral researcher at the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, explains: “In the laboratory we are investigating what type of inflammation each patient has because, depending on that, one type of treatment or another will do better.” The development of new biological medications, for example, has made it possible to block specific proteins related to asthma, improving the control of severe cases that do not respond to conventional treatments. The majority of patients with severe asthma show a favorable evolution when using it. In Spain, between 3% and 6% of patients have severe uncontrolled asthma. In these cases, changes in the airways can become chronic, leading to irreversible obstruction.
In the laboratory we are investigating what type of inflammation each patient has because, depending on that, one type of treatment or another will do better.
Although asthma has no cure, current pharmacological treatments can improve symptoms and prevent attacks. Most medications are inhaled, such as bronchodilators, which open the airways, and glucocorticoids, which reduce inflammation. Dr. Arismendi emphasizes that “inhaled corticosteroids have very few side effects, are quite safe and are the cornerstone of asthma treatment.”
There are two types of treatment for asthma: rescue treatment, which quickly relieves symptoms, and maintenance treatment, which controls the disease and prevents the onset of attacks. Since allergies are one of the main triggers, antihistamines and vaccines are also effective in controlling the disease, especially when it is difficult to avoid contact with allergens.
Tips
How to control allergies
1
Dust mites: Avoid rugs, carpets, curtains and objects that accumulate dust. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and wash bedding twice a week at high temperatures. Use anti-mite covers.
2
Pollens: Avoid spending a long time outdoors on days of high pollination.
3
Animals: Remove the animal from the home and do a thorough cleaning. If this is not possible, avoid contact with the animal in key areas such as the bedroom and the sofa.
4
Fungus: Avoid humidity at home and frequently ventilate dark and humid spaces.
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