ASTHMA IS A COMPLEX CONDITION THAT IMPACTS EVERYONE DIFFERENTLY
Some people develop asthma as a child, others as adults. Some people have symptoms often, some only for a shorter period.
When you understand how your asthma affects you – or someone you care for – then you can take control of your health. Most of the time, asthma can be managed so you can breathe freely and live your live fully.
WHAT IS ASTHMA?
Asthma is a long-term lung condition of the airways (the passage that transports air into our lungs). At the moment, there is no cure, but it can be managed.
People suffering from this condition have sensitive airways. These airways become inflamed (also known as a flare-up) when they are exposed to triggers. When the airways become inflamed, the narrowing airways cause significant, persistent, and troublesome symptoms. This often causes breathing difficulties, as it is equivalent to breathing through a very thin tube. In addition, it leads to a medical emergency.
A flare-up can come on slowly over hours, days, or even weeks, or quickly over minutes.
A doctor should always diagnose asthma. Diagnosis usually involves providing medical history and undertaking some lung function tests. There is more information on diagnosis here.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
People with asthma experience symptoms because of the inflammation and narrowing of their airways. Symptoms often vary from person to person. The most common symptoms are:
- Persistent cough, irrespective of sound it makes.
- Wheezing – high pitch whistling sound made by narrowing of airways
- Breathing difficulties – sometimes the signs of airways tightening do not result in any sounds (silent asthma) we are familiar with such as wheezing and coughing.
- Tightening of chest / Chest pain
If you have any of the above symptoms, visit a doctor to investigate further.
COMMON TYPES OF ASTHMA
- Allergic asthma – caused by allergens such as pollen, dust, food items, and mould
- Non-allergic asthma – caused by irritants such as viruses, air particles from smoke, cleaning products, perfumes, and aerosol products
- Occupational asthma – caused by workplace triggers such as chemicals, animal proteins, fumes, etc.
- Exercise-induced asthma – usually caused by physical activities
- Nocturnal asthma – symptoms that worsen at night, possible cause includes dust mites, heartburn or sleep cycle
Learn more about the types of asthma here.
HOW TO MANAGE?
Most people with asthma can manage and control their lives so they are unaffected by symptoms.
The best way to do this is by avoiding exposure to known triggers. It is also important to have a written Asthma Action Plan and follow its guidelines every day. In addition, understanding your medications and using them as prescribed.
CAUSES?
The causes of asthma are unknown and researchers continue to investigate genetic and environment factors.
People often have a family history of asthma, eczema, and hay fever. Research has shown that exposure chemicals, particles and gases in the environment can increase the risk of developing this condition.
This includes:
- Tobacco smoke (especially as a baby or young child)
- Pollution from bushfires, traffic, and industry
- Some workplace chemicals.
Some studies have also found that obesity is a cause.
Researchers continue to find out more about what causes asthma and how we might prevent it.
