Asthma Symptoms

Asthma is a specific medical condition affecting the respiratory system that impacts millions of people worldwide. If you have asthma, your airways become inflamed and constricted, causing difficulty breathing. By learning about its early signs, you can not only manage this condition more effectively but also prevent any severe episodes. 

1.0Types of Asthma 

• Different types of asthma have distinct causes, varying severity, and specific triggers. Here are a few common ones:
• Allergic Asthma: This type of asthma is often triggered by allergens. These allergens could be anything ranging from pollen and dust mites to mould and pet dander.
• Bronchial Asthma: In this type of asthma, the bronchi get inflamed. This is the most widespread form of asthma.
• Exercise-induced Asthma: As the name suggests, this type of asthma is triggered by physical activity. It often is worse in dry or cold air environments.
• Nocturnal Asthma: If your asthma symptoms get worse at night, you might have nocturnal asthma. Since there is an increased airway inflammation at night, it often disrupts sleep.
• Occupational Asthma: This type of asthma is triggered by inhaling dust, gases, and fumes at the workplace.
• Steroid-resistant Asthma: This is a rare and severe form of asthma as it doesn’t respond to standard corticosteroid treatment.

It is essential to determine the type of asthma you have, as each type requires a customised management strategy tailored to its specific triggers and symptoms. For instance, the treatment for allergic asthma symptoms differs from the treatment for bronchial asthma symptoms.

2.0Asthma Symptoms

Recognising the symptoms of asthma is essential for both patients and healthcare professionals to ensure a timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. These asthma attack symptoms often indicate respiratory distress and should not be ignored.

Common Asthma Symptoms Include:

• Persistent or chronic coughing
• Tightness or pressure in the chest and sternum
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing)
• Difficulty speaking due to breathlessness
• Pale or discoloured skin tone
• Feeling lightheaded or faint
• A bluish tint to the lips and fingernails

These signs are typically associated with respiratory discomfort, and in most cases, they point toward asthma. Early detection of these asthma signs and symptoms can significantly improve management and reduce the risk of severe episodes.

3.0Asthma Causes

While the exact cause of asthma remains unclear, several factors are known to trigger asthma symptoms or increase the risk of developing the condition. The table below outlines common causes and their effects:

4.0Asthma Diagnosis

Diagnosing asthma typically involves a detailed review of the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and a few specific lung function tests. Doctors use these tests to determine how well the lungs are working and whether there is any inflammation in the airways. Here's how asthma is commonly diagnosed:

• Spirometry: This is one of the most common tests for asthma. The patient is asked to breathe forcefully into a device called a spirometer. It measures how much air the lungs can hold and how quickly the patient can exhale. Low readings may indicate narrowed airways, a common symptom of asthma.
  
• Exhaled Nitric Oxide Test: In this test, a handheld machine is used to measure the amount of nitric oxide in the breath. High levels of nitric oxide suggest inflammation in the airways, a common sign of asthma.
• Challenge Tests: These are more specific tests that involve inhaling substances such as mannitol or methacholine in powdered or aerosol form. These chemicals temporarily narrow the airways if asthma is present. A drop in lung function after exposure confirms the diagnosis.

In some cases, additional tests such as chest X-rays, allergy testing, or a comprehensive breathing examination may be performed to rule out other conditions or determine the specific type of asthma. Understanding the nature and severity of the condition helps doctors create a more effective treatment plan.

5.0How to Manage and Prevent Asthma

While asthma cannot be completely cured, its symptoms can be effectively managed and often minimised with the right approach. The key to reducing asthma symptoms lies in prevention and trigger control.

Steps to Manage Asthma Symptoms:

• Identify and Avoid Triggers: Recognising what causes your asthma signs and symptoms is crucial. Common triggers include allergens, pollutants, smoke, and sudden changes in weather. Avoiding these can help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
• Minimise Allergen Exposure: Allergic asthma symptoms are often worsened by pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mould. Minimising exposure to these allergens can help prevent flare-ups.
• Avoid Infections: Viral infections, such as colds and the flu, can exacerbate asthma cough symptoms. Limit close contact with people who are unwell and maintain good hygiene.
• Stay Clear of Irritants: Smoke, fireworks, strong chemical fumes, and heavily polluted environments can trigger asthma attack symptoms. Try to avoid such environments whenever possible.
• Effective asthma management involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and regular medical supervision. 
• Understanding your bronchial asthma symptoms and responding early to any changes can significantly improve your quality of life.