Asthma – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Asthma, a long-term lung disease in which extra mucus is produced which leads to inflamed and narrowed airways, making it difficult to breathe. According to a WHO report, asthma affected an estimated 262 million people in 2019 and caused 461000 deaths globally. [source] Even though the disease can cause a significant decrease in quality of life, its prompt and proper management of asthma can ensure a comfortable life.

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma

The symptoms of asthma include:

• Constant pressure or pain in the chest
• Wheezing even when you breathe normally
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing problems leading to difficulty in sleeping
• Coughing- especially at night or morning
• Other symptoms like blue face, lips or, fingernails,
• Breathlessness and trouble breathing while doing everyday activities.

The causes for these symptoms are listed below.

• Airway blockage- for a person without asthma, the bands of muscle around the airways relax and allows air to move freely. But when a person is suffering from asthma, the muscles tighten making it difficult for the air to pass.
• Inflammation- asthma causes red, swollen bronchial tubes in the lungs which damages your lungs.
• Airway irritability– people suffering from asthma have sensitive airways which often tend to overreact and narrow when they come into contact with even slight triggers.

Some people have these symptoms but do not suffer from asthma, while others might be suffering from long-term asthma without any symptoms. So how do you know when to consult a doctor?

In case you notice any such symptoms, you can always reach out to us. The team of healthcare professionals at Ufinity Life will help you understand and manage your condition. Based on an exhaustive and comprehensive study of your symptoms and past health issues, our doctors will create a holistic treatment plan for you. And our health coach will help you adhere to the recommendations, and partner with you, in your journey to better health.

Causes of Asthma

The ways your airways react to things around you when you suffer from asthma are called asthma triggers. These triggers might become the reason you notice asthma symptoms or even make your symptoms worse. Some of the common asthma triggers include:

• Smoking.
• Certain allergies from pollens, molds, pet dander or, dust mites.
• Sinusitis
• Infections like flu and the common cold.
• Constant exposure to extreme air pollution.
• Strong emotions or disorders like anxiety, laughter, sadness, stress, etc.
• Irritations from strong odors from perfumes or cleaning solutions.
• Changes in weather conditions.
• Allergy from some specific medicines.
• Use of NSAIDs (painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications)
• Sulfites, the food preservative found in foods like pickles, lime juices, bottled lemon, beer, wine, etc.

Treatment for Asthma

If not treated properly and at the right time, asthma may make your every life difficult. While proper treatment can lead to keep this disease under control and ease your symptoms. There are various clinical treatments and home remedies available to treat this disease.

Clinical treatments

• Leukotriene modifiers- a long-term treatment process, in which the medicines block the leukotrienes, things in your body that are responsible for triggering an asthma attack. Some common leukotriene modifiers are Montelukast and Zafirlukast. The pills must be taken as recommended by the doctor.
• Inhaled corticosteroids- this is also a long-term medication that has to be consumed every day to keep asthma under control. They help your body produce less mucus which in turn prevents and eases swelling inside your airways. Here your doctor prescribes you a device called an inhaler to get the medicine into your lungs. Some commonly inhaled corticosteroids are Fluticasone, Budesonide, and Beclomethasone.
• Long-acting beta-agonists- These medications are called bronchodilators which help to relax the muscle bands that surround your airways. They are taken with the help of an inhaler. They are prescribed even when you have no symptoms. Some examples are Ciclesonide, Formoterol, Mometasone, and Salmeterol.

• Theophylline- these long term medications help open your airways and eases tightness in your chest
• Anticholinergics- these bronchodilators prevent the muscle bands around your airways from tightening. Some common ones are Ipratropium and Tiotropium bromide.

• Oral and intravenous corticosteroids- these medications are taken along with a rescue inhaler during an asthma attack. They ease swelling and inflammation in your airways. Some common oral steroids are Methylprednisolone, Prednisolone, and Prednisone.

Home Remedies for Asthma

While medicines will help you keep asthma under control, there are some home remedies that you must try. They are completely natural and will show no side effects at all.

• Exercise regularly.
• Have a proper diet.
• Stay at a healthy weight.
• Do breathing exercises to ease symptoms so you need less medication.
• You can use complementary treatments such as yoga, acupuncture, biofeedback.

How to Prevent Asthma?

There are some simple techniques to cut your exposure to asthma triggers. Make a habit of practicing these tips and tricks to keep asthma at bay.

1. Identify asthma triggers- the first and most important thing to do is identify what triggers your asthma. Some asthma triggers can set off a cascade of asthma symptoms, such as air pollution, allergies, cold air, smoke, pollens, etc. Identifying what triggers your asthma becomes essential to avoid those things. Make a mental note to stay away from those things which trigger your asthma.
2. Home Peak Flow Meter- one of the most reliable ways to remain safe is to use a home peak flow meter. This device shows how well air moves through your lungs. During an attack, your airways become narrow. The meter will let you know something like this is going to happen beforehand. This will give you enough time to take the medications and possibly stop the attack even before it starts.
3. Allergy-Proof environment- no matter where you are, you should keep in mind a few basic points to avoid coming in contact with allergies that lead to asthma. Avoid eating in restaurants that are smoky or allow cigarette smoking. Always reserve a smoke-free hotel room beforehand. You can carry your own bedding and pillows in case the hotel only supplies feather pillows.
4. Get vaccinated- try to get a flu shot every year. It protects against the flu virus which can worsen your asthma for days or weeks.
5. Immunotherapy Allergy Shots- the allergy shots help prevent allergy symptoms and keep your asthma from getting worse. With allergy shots, small doses of allergens are injected under your skin on a regular schedule, and over time your body gets used to it and does not react much when exposed.

We at Ufinity Life understand your problem and the importance of getting correct treatment for better outcomes. A lifelong disease like asthma needs the collaborative work of the patient and the doctor. Keeping that in mind, we will also set up proactive monitoring of your vitals, reminders for your medications all these will be kept on track to minimize complications that lead to hospitalization and ensure your speedy recovery.

Especially for asthma, we at Ufinity Life provide you a dedicated Health Coach and experienced staff to help you manage your asthma triggers. We will always stay in touch with you, and partner in your journey to better health. With regular check-ups, automated reminders, alerts, and intervention as needed to minimize complications and hospitalization, we hope to support you in achieving a healthier body.