Asthma is a long-term lung condition that affects people of all ages.
It occurs when the airways become inflamed and the muscles around them tighten, making it difficult to breathe.
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Common symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may fluctuate over time.
Though asthma is a serious condition, it can be controlled with proper treatment. Anyone experiencing asthma symptoms should seek advice from a healthcare provider.
Impact
Asthma is frequently under-diagnosed and under-treated, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Inadequate treatment can lead to sleep problems, daytime fatigue, and poor concentration.
Asthma sufferers may also miss school or work, affecting both the family’s finances and the broader community.
In severe cases, asthma can require emergency treatment or hospitalization, and in the most extreme cases, it can be fatal.
Symptoms
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person and can worsen, sometimes leading to an asthma attack.
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Symptoms often intensify at night or during physical activity. Common signs include:
- Persistent cough, especially at night
- Wheezing, both while exhaling and occasionally while inhaling
- Shortness of breath, sometimes even at rest
- Chest tightness, which makes deep breathing difficult
Some individuals may experience worse symptoms during a cold, weather changes, or when exposed to triggers like dust, smoke, pollen, animal fur, strong scents, or cleaning products.
If experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider, as they could also be linked to other conditions.
Causes
Asthma is linked to a variety of factors, making it difficult to pinpoint a single cause. The risk increases if:
- Family members, particularly close relatives, have asthma
- The person has other allergic conditions, such as eczema or hay fever
- Urbanization and its associated lifestyle changes contribute
- Early-life factors, such as low birth weight, prematurity, exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, or respiratory infections, play a role
- The person is exposed to environmental allergens or irritants like dust mites, molds, and chemicals
- Individuals are overweight or obese
Treatment
While asthma cannot be cured, several treatments can help manage it.
The most common are inhalers, which deliver medication directly to the lungs, allowing individuals with asthma to live active lives. There are two main types of inhalers:
- Bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol), which open the airways and provide symptom relief
- Steroids (e.g., beclometasone), which reduce airway inflammation, improving symptoms and decreasing the risk of severe attacks
Treatment frequency depends on the individual’s symptoms. Some may need to use an inhaler daily.
Spacers, which are plastic containers that make it easier to use inhalers, are particularly useful for children and during emergencies. A homemade spacer can be made from a 500ml plastic bottle if necessary.
Unfortunately, access to inhalers remains limited in some countries. In 2021, bronchodilators were available in public primary healthcare facilities in only half of low- and low-middle-income countries, while steroid inhalers were available in one-third.
Self-care
Education is key for individuals with asthma and their families.
They should understand their treatment options, identify and avoid triggers, and manage symptoms at home.
An asthma action plan, provided by a healthcare professional, can help guide patients in managing their condition, especially during symptom flare-ups, to prevent serious attacks.
Increasing awareness and dispelling myths and stigma about asthma in communities is also essential.
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