Asthma is an inflammatory condition affecting the airways leading to the lungs. It is characterized by chronic inflammation that intermittently causes the airways to narrow. This long-term condition presents challenges in breathing and can hinder various physical activities.
Affecting individuals of all ages, asthma commonly occurs during childhood. Symptoms of asthma encompass periods of wheezing, chest tightness, persistent coughing, and shortness of breath. Severity varies from mild to severe, occurring sporadically or persisting daily. When symptoms intensify, it leads to an asthma attack, exacerbation, or flare-up. Unmanaged asthma poses a risk of long-term damage to the lungs.
Asthma attacks manifest as severe worsening of symptoms, occasionally posing life-threatening situations. Those with severe asthma often experience frequent attacks. Triggers, such as smoking, stress, environmental pollutants, perfumes, flowers, animal dander, specific foods (like chocolates and ice cream), as well as exposure to colds and flu, can precipitate asthma symptoms.
Additional tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions, especially if symptoms include shortness of breath with dizziness, coughing without respiratory issues, chest pain, coughing up mucus, or noisy breathing during exercise. These tests may encompass a chest X-ray, a sleep study for sleep apnea evaluation, an endoscopy to rule out gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), and an electrocardiogram (EKG) for heart-related concerns.
Asthma treatment falls into three primary categories:
The ultimate goal of asthma management is to achieve control through an asthma action plan. This plan involves monitoring, trigger avoidance, and the appropriate use of medications.
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