Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by an overreaction of the lungs to a specific trigger. It may cause wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. Avoidance of triggers may minimize symptoms. Medicines are available to prevent as well as treat asthma attacks. People with asthma should not underestimate the disease and they should monitor it closely.
Definition
Asthma is a condition characterized by hyper-reactivity of the airways. When the lungs and airways are exposed to a trigger, the surrounding smooth muscles spasm, causing a narrowing of the breathing tubes. There is also an inflammatory component to asthma, which results in swelling of the bronchioles, or smaller airways. Various things can trigger this reaction.
Asthma tends to accompany allergies, thus, dust, pollen and dander can incite problems. For some, cold air or exercise may be a trigger, while for others cigarette smoke and other environmental exposures may be triggers. Infections of the lung or upper respiratory tract could exacerbate underlying asthma.
Symptoms
Asthma sufferers may experience attacks that feel like they are stuck breathing through a straw, or they may feel as though an elephant is sitting on their chest. Coughing, especially at night, may accompany this chest tightness and shortness of breath. Wheezing, which is noisy, whistling breathing, is caused by restriction in the airway. Symptoms tend to worsen during flare-ups, and may be entirely absent between attacks.
Preventing Attacks
Avoiding triggers is the key to controlling asthma and preventing flare-ups. Allergy testing may be helpful for identifying specific allergens. For example, some people are unable to cut the grass as it may lead to an attack. If the allergen is unavoidable, antihistamines and other medicines may keep allergies in check.
MayoClinic.com discusses strategies to reduce indoor triggers such as using air conditioners and dust covers on pillows and mattresses, and vacuuming and dusting regularly. Some people may need to avoid cold air or wear a bandanna or mask to lessen the impact. Pre-treatment with some medications may allow those with exercise-induced asthma to continue activity.
Treatments
Depending on the severity of the asthma, treatment is individualized. Some medicines are available to relieve the airway spasm while others block the inflammatory reaction. Beta-agonists such as albuterol are commonly used to prevent or relieve wheezing and chest tightness as they help relax the muscles in the airway. Long-acting forms are also available.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute notes that inhaled steroids are the preferred medicines for long-term control of asthma. These inhalers are used daily to reduce the inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. Leukotriene modifiers are a group of drugs taken orally that also act to lessen swelling and inflammation.
Monitoring
A peak flow meter is a device that patients blow into in order to measure the movement of air from the lungs. Patients often monitor their peak flows to get an idea of how well controlled their asthma is. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute reminds patients that diminishing peak flow levels may indicate worsening asthma even before symptoms appear. Spirometry is more detailed lung testing performed in a doctor's office or hospital. It is often performed for diagnostic purposes, but it may be used for ongoing monitoring as well.
