Avoid triggers to strengthen prevention and reduce asthma attacks

In mild to moderate asthma attacks, patients often present with breathing difficulties, chest tightness, and continuous coughing; severe asthma attacks have respiratory failure and even need to be hospitalized, which seriously affects the patient's daily life, work and study. Asthma attacks not only impair the function of the patient's body, but also an important cause of disability and death. Therefore, avoiding triggers, strengthening prevention, and reducing asthma attacks are of great significance to improve the overall level of asthma control.

First, identify the cause of asthma attacks

Typical symptoms of asthma include wheezing, chest tightness, cough, shortness of breath, etc. [1], and the causes of these symptoms mainly include the following two aspects.

1. Continuous exposure to irritants is the trigger for asthma attacks [1]. When exposed to allergens, cold air, physical, chemical irritation, respiratory infections or strenuous exercise, inflammation suddenly worsens, leads to ventilation dysfunction, triggers clinical symptoms such as asthma, or worsens symptoms. Therefore, avoiding the above triggers can reduce the risk of asthma attacks.

2. Chronic airway inflammation is the pathophysiological basis of asthma [1, 2]. Common respiratory infections in outpatient clinics are mainly short-term, non-persistent inflammation caused by bacterial and viral infections. Asthma, on the other hand, is a chronic, nonspecific inflammation involving a variety of cells that cause long-term destruction of airway cells and structures [3, 4] and a range of respiratory symptoms [3, 4]. This characteristic determines the need for long-term maintenance of anti-inflammatory therapy for asthma. Many people with asthma have avoided exposure to irritants in their lives, but still experience acute attacks because chronic airway inflammation is not addressed.

Second, the harm of asthma attacks is serious and cannot be ignored

Asthma is not only one of the most common chronic diseases, but also the second most commonly deadly and disabling disease in the world after cancer [5]. Many asthma sufferers believe that asthma attacks are just asthma and coughing, and they can recover by relying on the body's self-healing. However, if asthma is not treated in time, it will lead to the aggravation of airway inflammation, which will accelerate the progression of the disease, resulting in an increase in the number of acute attacks, an increase in the hospitalization rate, and an increase in the burden of disease [6]. On the other hand, asthma attacks can also cause some damage to lung function, causing other chronic respiratory diseases such as cor pulmonale and COPD [7].

Asthma attacks cause a variety of hazards

Third, early detection and early prevention, reduce asthma attacks

Identifying allergens or other non-specific stimuli that cause asthma attacks, taking environmental control measures, and minimizing exposure can effectively prevent asthma attacks. Based on the severity and level of control of the patient's condition, the choice of appropriate treatment regimens can help reduce the risk of acute onset and death, irreversible impairment of lung function, and drug-related adverse reactions. Currently, GINA recommends that all adult and adolescent asthma patients receive controlled therapy including ICS to reduce the risk of severe acute attacks, which can be used as a daily routine and ICS plus formoterol on demand in patients with mild asthma [1].

Although asthma attacks usually start abruptly and develop quickly, some signs before an attack can help patients detect and prevent asthma attacks earlier. The most common signs include sneezing, waking up at night, runny nose, impatience, or chest pain [8]. When these early symptoms appear, patients should be reminded to go to the hospital in time, actively take preventive measures or medication, and avoid the appearance of acute attacks as soon as possible.

summary

Early scientific prevention and adherence to standardized treatment. Take a two-pronged approach to avoid asthma exacerbations.

References (can be swiped up and down)

1. Asthma Group of Respiratory Disease Branch of Chinese Medical Association. Chinese Journal of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disease, 2020, 43(12): 1023-1048.

2.Global Initiative for Asthma. Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention Updated 2021[R/OL].https://ginasthma.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/GINA-Main-Report-2021-V2-WMS.pdf.

3.Hough KP, et al. Front Med (Lausanne), 2020, 7:191.

4.Trautmann A, et al. Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 2005, 138(2): 142-150.

5.LIU Jinfeng. Modern Chinese Journal of Pharmaceutical Application, 2009, 3(19): 194-195.

6.Harrison T, et al. ERJ Open Res, 2020, 6(2).

7.Dougherty RH, Fahy JV. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2009, 39(2): 193-202.

8.Lin Jiangtao. Chinese Medical Journal, 2017, 97(30): 2329-2332.

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Typography: Jerry

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