Asthma is a common and potentially serious health problem affecting all age groups.
With the increase in prevalence in many countries, asthma imposes a substantial burden on patients, their families, and the community.
What is asthma and what are the symptoms?
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Asthma is associated with variable expiratory airflow; difficulty exhaling air out of the lungs due to bronchoconstriction (airway narrowing), airway wall thickening and increased mucus production.
During an asthma attack, you may experience:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Cough
The symptoms can vary over time in occurrence, frequency and intensity.
What are the common triggers for asthma?
Common triggering factors include:
- Viral and bacterial infections
- Weather changes or exposure to cold, dry air
- Allergens (house dust mites, carpet, animal dander, pollens, cockroach droppings)
- Irritant exposure (air pollution, strong odours or fumes)
- Certain medications such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen), and beta-blockers
- Tobacco smoke
- Exercise (exercise induced asthma)
- Emotional anxiety and stress
How is asthma managed?
Asthma is a chronic disease which requires ongoing management. This includes recognizing your triggers, preventing and controlling symptoms, as well as taking the medications correctly. Treatment of asthma include:
NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL STRATEGIES
- Avoid triggering factors. Change your mattresses, pillowcase and blanket on a weekly basis to avoid dust. If you are allergic to dander, avoid pets with fur or feathers. Remember to inform your doctor about your asthma before being prescribed with medications like aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Smoking cessation. If you are a smoker, it is advisable to stop smoking. Talk to your doctor of the ways to quit smoking.
- Physical activity. Patients are required to exercise regularly because it can strengthen your heart and lungs, which helps to relieve asthma symptoms. Discuss with your doctor on ways to control exercise-induced asthma.
PHARMACOLOGICAL STRATEGIES
Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend one or a combination of two types of inhalers. In some cases, oral medications and vaccination may be necessary.
- Reliever inhalers. These are used for rapid, short-term symptom relief during an asthma attack.
- Preventer inhalers. Preventive long term medications are generally taken daily. generally, these types come as metered dose or dry powder inhaler. These medications help to keep asthma under control and prevent you from having an asthma attack.
- Oral medications. Montelukast (Singulair) may be prescribed to help relieve asthma symptoms.
- Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination. It is recommended to protect yourself by getting an influenza shot annually. Pneumococcal vaccine can prevent pneumonia from triggering asthma flare-ups.
Asthma Action Plan
Image: Sample of an Asthma Action Plan
Asthma action plan is a personalized management plan by you and your doctor for better control of asthma. This plan includes:
- Recognizing asthma triggers and worsening of symptoms
- How to respond to acute attacks
- What medications to take and when to take them
- When to seek for medical attention
Taking control of your treatment can make you feel more in control of your life in general.
When should I see a doctor?
You will need to see your doctor regularly depending on your level of asthma control and response to your treatment. It is a good idea to bring your medications with you to each visit, so the doctor can make sure you’re taking the correct medications according to the right dose and using proper technique. In addition, Your Asthma Action Plan may be reviewed too.
Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Emergency treatment is needed when there is:
- Rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing
- No improvement despite using a quick-reliever inhaler
- Inability to speak more than short phrases due to shortness of breath
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist today about your asthma condition.
References:
- GINA. Pocket guide for asthma management and prevention. 2018, Global Initiative for Asthma.
- Asthma | Mayo Clinic
- Asthma treatment | Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
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- https://www.aafa.org/media/1601/asthma-action-plan-aafa.pdf
