Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects people of all ages, causing inflammation in the airways and tightening of the surrounding muscles, making breathing difficult.
Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, which may vary in severity and fluctuate over time.
Although asthma is a serious condition, it can be managed effectively with proper treatment. Anyone showing symptoms should consult a healthcare provider for advice.
Impact
Asthma is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Inadequate management can lead to issues like sleep disturbances, daytime fatigue, and trouble concentrating.
Those with asthma may miss school or work, impacting family finances and the broader community.
In severe cases, it can require emergency treatment or hospitalization, and in extreme cases, be fatal.
Symptoms
Asthma symptoms differ from person to person and can worsen, sometimes leading to an asthma attack.
Symptoms often worsen at night or during physical activity and include:
- Persistent coughing, especially at night
- Wheezing during exhalation or occasionally while inhaling
- Shortness of breath, even when at rest
- Chest tightness, making deep breaths difficult
Symptoms may be triggered by factors like colds, weather changes, or exposure to dust, smoke, pollen, pet dander, strong scents, or cleaning products.
It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if these symptoms occur, as they could be linked to other health issues.
Causes
The exact cause of asthma is hard to pinpoint, as it’s influenced by various factors. The risk is higher if:
- Close family members have asthma
- The individual has other allergic conditions, such as eczema or hay fever
- Urbanization and lifestyle changes are factors
- Early-life conditions like low birth weight, prematurity, exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, or respiratory infections contribute
- Exposure to allergens or irritants, like dust mites, mold, and chemicals, occurs
- The individual is overweight or obese
Treatment
While asthma has no cure, treatments can help manage it effectively.
The most common treatment involves inhalers, which deliver medication directly to the lungs.
There are two main types of inhalers:
- Bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol), which open airways for symptom relief
- Steroids (e.g., beclometasone), which reduce inflammation in the airways, improving symptoms and reducing the risk of severe attacks
How often inhalers are needed depends on the severity of symptoms, with some individuals requiring daily use.
Spacers, plastic devices that help in using inhalers, are especially useful for children and emergencies.
A homemade spacer can be created using a 500ml plastic bottle in a pinch.
However, inhaler access remains limited in some countries.
In 2021, only half of low- and middle-income countries had bronchodilators available in public primary healthcare facilities, and steroid inhalers were available in only one-third.
Self-care
Education is essential for individuals with asthma and their families.
They should understand available treatments, identify and avoid triggers, and manage symptoms at home.
An asthma action plan, provided by a healthcare provider, can help guide management, particularly during symptom flare-ups, to prevent serious attacks.
Increasing awareness, debunking myths, and reducing the stigma surrounding asthma within communities are also crucial steps.
