Asthma: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Bhima Shankar , Pulmonologists

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Bronchial asthma is a lung condition where your airways become swollen, narrow, and clogged with excess mucus. This leads to breathing difficulties, but medications can help manage the symptoms.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease affecting millions of individuals globally. It is defined by inflammation and airway constriction, which causes breathing problems, coughing, and wheezing. Although asthma can appear at any age, children and young people are most affected. Many people manage this condition successfully with the help of medication and by identifying their triggers and making lifestyle changes. Common triggers for asthma attacks include exposure to allergens such as pollens and pet dander, cold air, and stress. Some people may also experience exercise-induced asthma.

Asthma can be a severe condition; if left untreated, it can lead to hospitalization and even fatal. Therefore, people with asthma need to work closely with their healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets their needs. Sometimes, respiratory conditions, including emphysema, bronchitis, and lower respiratory infections, might appear similar to asthma. Many asthmatics are unaware of their condition. Consult the doctor for a proper diagnosis.

What are the Types of Asthma?

Bronchial asthma has several types based on triggers and patient characteristics. Identifying the type helps in better treatment planning.

Each type may require a slightly different management approach.

There are several types of asthma, each with its unique triggers and symptoms. These include:

Allergic asthma
Seasonal asthma
Occupational asthma
Non-allergic asthma
Exercise-induced asthma
Difficult asthma
Severe asthma
Brittle asthma
Childhood asthma
Adult-onset asthma

What Are the Signs and Symptoms Of Bronchial Asthma?

Symptoms of bronchial asthma can vary in intensity and may worsen during triggers or at night. Early recognition helps in preventing severe attacks.

These symptoms mainly affect breathing and overall respiratory comfort.

Coughing, especially at night, when laughing, or during exercise
Tightness in the chest
Shortness of breath
Difficulty talking
Anxiousness or panic.
Fatigue
Chest pain
Rapid breathing
Frequent infections
Trouble sleeping

What Are the Common Causes of Bronchial Asthma?

The specific reason why some people develop an asthmatic attack while others don't is unknown. Asthma symptoms and indications can be caused by exposure to various irritants and chemicals that cause allergies (allergens). Everyone has different triggers for severe asthma. They can include:

Airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
Physical activity can trigger exercise-induced asthma.
Cold air or exposure to extreme weather conditions.
Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke.
Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium
Strong emotions and stress
Sulfites and preservatives that are added to foods and beverages
Gastroesophageal reflux disease

When Should You See A Doctor For Bronchial Asthma?

Medical attention is required when asthma symptoms worsen or do not respond to treatment. Severe attacks can become life-threatening without timely care.

Early consultation helps in preventing complications and improving quality of life.

Breathlessness or wheezing that worsens rapidly
No improvement after using a quick-relief inhaler
Shortness of breath after minimal activity
Development of new or unusual symptoms
Consult specialists such as a pulmonologist, internal medicine, or emergency medicine

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How Is Bronchial Asthma Diagnosed?

A doctor will monitor a person's symptoms, family and medical history, and test results. The triggering factors will recognize the type of asthma a person has. Keeping track of one's symptoms and potential causes might be beneficial for the doctor to get a precise diagnosis. The following can help diagnose asthma:

Physical examination: The doctor examines the upper respiratory tract, the chest, and the skin. They'll check for wheezing, which might indicate asthma or airway obstruction. They will also check for
- Swollen nasal passages
- Runny nose
- Any unusual growths inside the nose
Asthma tests: The doctor could suggest a lung function test to determine the function of the lungs. The most common lung function test used by physicians to identify asthma is the spirometry test.

Other diagnostic tests include:

Challenge test: This test enables a doctor to assess how asthma triggers, such as cold air, exercise, or inhaled drugs, affect a person.
Allergy testing: The doctor may use a skin or blood test to determine the patient's allergic reaction.
Blood test: A Blood test checks for elevated eosinophils and immunoglobulin E levels, an antibody found in allergic asthmatic patients.
Chest X-ray: X-rays are medical imaging tests that use a small amount of ionizing radiation to produce images of the structures and organs in the chest. They help detect diseases of the lungs or heart.

What Are the Treatment Options For Bronchial Asthma?

Treatment for bronchial asthma focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing attacks. Medications and lifestyle adjustments play a key role.

Doctors customize treatment plans based on severity and triggers.

Bronchodilators: These drugs relax the muscles surrounding the airways, allowing mucus to pass more easily. They are used for both intermittent and chronic asthma and ease symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory medicines: These drugs decrease airway swelling and mucus production. They assist the flow of air into and out of the lungs. To treat or avoid your chronic asthma symptoms, your doctor may prescribe them for daily dosage.
Biologic therapies for asthma: They are utilized when severe asthma symptoms continue despite receiving the proper inhaler medication.

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What Is the Recovery Process Like For Bronchial Asthma?

Bronchial asthma is a long-term condition that requires continuous management rather than complete cure. Recovery focuses on symptom control and preventing flare-ups.

With proper care, most individuals can lead a normal and active life.

Regular use of prescribed medications
Avoidance of known triggers
Monitoring symptoms and lung function
Periodic follow-ups with healthcare providers

What Are the Risk Factors Of Bronchial Asthma?

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing bronchial asthma. These include genetic, environmental, and lifestyle-related elements.

Understanding these risks can help in early prevention and management.

Genetics : Someone with one or both asthmatic parents is more likely to acquire asthma than someone without. Therefore, a family history may be a significant risk factor for this lung condition.
Allergies : People with hay fever or drug allergies may develop asthma. Interestingly, even those with eczema tend to be susceptible to developing asthma. Exposure to asthma triggers can induce an asthmatic attack.
Pollution : Asthma can trigger in places with excessive air pollution.
Smoking : People who smoke are more likely to develop asthma because cigarette smoke causes lung inflammation. Asthma is also more common in those exposed to secondhand smoke or whose parents smoked while pregnant.
Obesity : People who are obese have a greater risk of asthma, and mild inflammation from having extra body weight may contribute to this risk factor. It also increases the risk of disease exacerbation.
Viral respiratory infections: Although some viral respiratory illnesses can cause wheezing, some children develop asthma. This may be due to changes these illnesses can cause in the developing immune system.

What Are the Complications of Bronchial Asthma?

Uncontrolled bronchial asthma can lead to serious health complications. Proper management is essential to reduce these risks.

Long-term complications may affect overall respiratory health.

Constant fatigue due to disrupted sleep and breathing issues.
Pneumonia or other respiratory infections.
Constant asthma flare-ups that can damage the airways.
Thickening and narrowing of bronchial tubes, which leads to respiratory failure.
Increased mucus production
Severe chest pain during asthma attacks.

How Can Bronchial Asthma Be Prevented And Managed?

Although asthma cannot always be prevented, proper management can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Lifestyle changes play an important role.

Preventive strategies focus on avoiding triggers and following medical advice.

Avoiding triggers like chemicals, smells, or anything previously affecting your respiratory system.
Reduce exposure to allergens that may trigger asthma attacks, such as dust or mold.
By getting allergy shots in the required time frame, our bodies may become less sensitive to any triggers we encounter.
Taking preventive medications as prescribed by the doctor.

Do's and Don'ts

We know how badly the respiratory condition can affect our everyday life, and asthma is debilitating sometimes. Some asthma management practices may seem obvious, while others may need to be more apparent. Here, we have compiled dos and don'ts to remember when controlling your symptoms.

Do's	Don'ts
Stay away from areas where there is high air pollution.	Use scented candles, air fresheners, or other fragrances in your home.
Keep your inhalers handy.	Use asthma medicines without consulting the doctor
Get your flu shot on time to avoid any complications.	Smoke or be around secondhand smoke
Keep your home free of dust mites, cockroaches, and mold.	Ignore early warning signs of an asthma attack
Use your inhaled medications as directed by your healthcare provider.	Get exposed to asthma triggering factors

What Is the Care Approach For Bronchial Asthma?

Specialized care ensures accurate diagnosis and effective asthma management. Regular monitoring helps in adjusting treatment as needed.

A structured care approach improves long-term outcomes and reduces complications.

Access to experienced pulmonologists for diagnosis and treatment
Use of advanced diagnostic methods for accurate evaluation
Continuous monitoring of treatment progress
Personalized care plans for long-term management

Citations

Asthma

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can asthma be managed without medication?

Individuals with asthma can reduce symptoms by identifying triggers, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and following an asthma action plan developed with their healthcare provider, although medication is often necessary.

2. How is asthma diagnosed at Medicover, and what tests are involved?

At Medicover, our asthma specialists use a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and lung function tests to diagnose asthma. Lung function tests may include spirometry and peak flow measurements. These tests help assess your lung function and airway responsiveness, aiding in an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

3. What are common asthma medications?

Asthma medications include bronchodilators (relievers) to open airways quickly and controllers (inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers) to manage inflammation and reduce asthma attacks. Biologics may be used for severe asthma.

4. Is asthma life-threatening?

Asthma can be life-threatening during severe asthma attacks. However, with proper management and medication, the risk of life-threatening situations is significantly reduced, and most individuals with asthma lead everyday, healthy lives.

5. Can children outgrow asthma?

Some children may outgrow asthma as they age, but many continue to experience asthma symptoms throughout adulthood. Regular monitoring and management are essential to control symptoms and reduce their impact.

6. How can I best support a loved one with asthma?

Supporting a loved one with asthma involves understanding their condition, helping them adhere to their treatment plan, creating an asthma-friendly environment (e.g., a smoke-free home), and knowing how to respond in case of an asthma attack (use a reliever inhaler and seeking medical help if needed).