What you need to know
- Asthma is a very common condition that presents as breathing problems. This can include inflammation of the airways, muscle tightness in the chest and mucus production.
- While there isn’t a cure, treatment is highly effective and can help to prevent life threatening asthma attacks.
- Management will typically require the patient to use a daily prevention inhaler, or to carry a rescue inhaler for use in the event of an attack.
Asthma explained: the basics
Asthma is a very common condition in the United States. It is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation of the airways, muscle tightening and mucus production.
Combined, these symptoms make it difficult to breathe, leading to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
While asthma cannot be cured, the symptoms can be managed.
Inhalers and medication can help to control the condition, preventing life-threatening asthma attacks.
Allergies, cold air and infections can often make the condition worse, which is why it is important that asthma sufferers always have an inhaler.
Common asthma treatment
The only treatment for asthma is an inhaler, which is a device that produces a fine mist of medication which can easily be inhaled through the mouth.
There are two types of inhalers: preventer inhalers and rescue inhalers. These are often colour coded to help identify the correct inhaler.
The preventer inhaler is not fast acting and cannot help during an asthma attack. Instead, this type of inhaler is used daily to help reduce the risk of developing an asthma attack. It contains corticosteroids which help to reduce airway inflammation.
The rescue inhaler is often blue and contains medication to help tackle symptoms in the event of an asthma attack.
There are also now dual action inhalers which combine both medications, allowing patients to use them daily to help prevent asthma attacks, while also providing relief in the event of an attack.
Understanding asthma triggers
One of the best ways to manage this condition is by recognizing the triggers and avoiding them, or using your inhaler at the right time to help limit reactions. Common triggers for asthma include:
- Allergens, including pollen, dust mites and pets
- Irritants, including smoke and chemical fumes
- Cold air
- Exercise
- Viral infections
- Intense emotional reactions
By knowing what is likely to trigger your asthma, you can either avoid these situations, or use an inhaler in advance to prevent the usual reaction from occurring.
Managing asthma day-to-day
Managing your asthma and preventing attacks will either be about prevention through daily inhaler use, or it will require intervention at the first signs of an attack.
Removing allergens and irritants from your environment can help to reduce instances of attacks. Regular cleaning and good ventilation can help to prevent asthma attacks.
It’s helpful to stay active, as this can help to strengthen your breathing muscles. Your choice of exercise should take into consideration activities that often trigger your asthma.
Your primary care physician should have an action plan for monitoring your symptoms and to help you to know when you need to ask for help. You should have an annual review of your symptoms to look for signs of damage to your airways.
Frequently asked questions
Can exercise help with asthma?
While exercise can trigger asthma attacks for some people, this isn’t a reason to avoid it entirely. Exercise can be very beneficial for patients with asthma, as it helps to strengthen their breathing muscles.
When to go to hospital for asthma?
If you are having an asthma attack, use the 4-4-4 rule to bring this under control. Start with 4 puffs of your rescue inhaler, wait 4 minutes and re-administer if there is no improvement. After 4 rounds, if there is no improvement, it’s time to call 911.
How can I confirm if I have asthma?
Asthma is commonly diagnosed through a symptom review, physical exam and lung function tests. Blood tests may also be required.
