Breathing is the most basic rhythm of life. However, for people with asthma, every breath can be a battle against the disease. Asthma, a seemingly ordinary word, hides complex pathological mechanisms and endless challenges.
What's the deal with asthma?
Asthma is a long-term lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, causing difficulty breathing, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing. These symptoms can range from mild to extremely severe. Asthma is characterized by its symptoms not being present all the time, but suddenly intensifying during an "asthma attack".
What are the triggers of asthma?
Asthma attacks often have clear triggers that are like uninvited guests sneaking down onto the dance floor and may include:
1. Environmental Factors:
- Allergens: Many people with asthma are allergic to certain substances such as dust mites, pollen, animal dander (such as cat and dog hair), mold, and mold spores both indoors and outdoors.
- Air pollution: Smog, exhaust fumes, ozone, and other air pollutants can also trigger asthma symptoms.
- Tobacco smoke: Smoking or passive smoking can cause asthma exacerbations.
- Climate change: Cold air, changes in humidity, and drastic changes in weather can sometimes trigger asthma.
2. Mood swings: Strong mood swings, such as laughing, crying, or stress, can also trigger an asthma attack.
3. Infections: Respiratory infections, such as colds and flu, can trigger asthma symptoms, especially in children. Common cold, flu, or other infections.
4. Physical activity: Exercise-induced asthma refers to exercise-induced asthma attacks, especially in cold, dry environments.
5. Medications: Certain medications can trigger asthma reactions, including aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), and β blockers.
6. Food and food additives: Food allergies (e.g., allergies to nuts and shellfish) and certain food additives can also be a trigger for asthma attacks.
Understanding and avoiding an individual's asthma triggers is an important aspect of managing asthma. People with asthma should work with their doctor to develop a comprehensive asthma action plan that usually includes identifying and avoiding triggers as much as possible, monitoring breathing, and using appropriate medications if needed.
A common symptom of asthma
The symptoms of asthma can vary from individual to individual, but here are some of the most common asthma symptoms:
1. Difficulty breathing: People with asthma may feel that they need to exert more effort while breathing, especially when taking deep breaths or exhaling air.
2. Wheezing: This is a high-pitched, high-pitched, or whirring sound that occurs when you breathe. Wheezing usually occurs when you inhale (breath in) and/or exhale (breath out).
3. Cough: This may be persistent, may only worsen at night or in the morning, or worsen after exercise.
4. Chest tension or pain: People with asthma may experience a feeling of tension or pressure in their chest, especially during a severe asthma attack.
5. Lack of energy or fatigue: People with asthma may feel tired or unable to carry out normal daily activities because of difficulty breathing.
6. Sleep problems: Sleep quality can be reduced due to asthma symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing at night or early in the morning.
Symptoms of asthma are not always present. They may appear periodically and may be exacerbated by triggering events, such as exposure to allergens or a single cold. People with asthma should seek medical attention when symptoms develop or worsen, and work with their doctor to develop or adjust their asthma management plan.
How to treat asthma
1. Medications: Asthma medications can be divided into two main categories:
Long-acting control medications: used at regular intervals throughout the day to maintain long-term asthma control. Inhaled steroids (e.g., fluticasone, budesonide)
- Long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs, e.g., salmeterol, formoterol)
- Leukotriene modifiers (e.g., montelukast)
- Inhaled anticholinergics
- Biologics (for specific types of severe asthma)
Fast-acting relief medications: used to quickly relieve acute asthma symptoms and asthma attacks. Short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs, e.g., albuterol, terbutaline)
- Corticosteroids are given orally or intravenously
2. Avoid triggers: It's important to understand and avoid triggers that can trigger asthma symptoms. Common triggers include allergens (e.g., dust mites, pollen, pet dander), air pollution, smog, cold air, exercise, infections (e.g., colds), and stress and mood changes.
3. Lifestyle Changes:
Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke and other irritating gases or particles.
Maintain good physical health and strengthen your respiratory muscles through proper exercise.
For people with allergic asthma, allergen desensitization therapy may be required.
4. Education and Monitoring:
People with asthma should learn how to use their inhalers and/or nebulizers properly.
Monitor lung function regularly to see how well your asthma is under control.
Learn to recognise early warning signs of asthma symptoms and signs so that they can be dealt with promptly.
5. Regular check-ups: Maintain regular communication with your doctor and adjust your treatment plan according to your asthma control.
While asthma cannot be a complete cure, with proper management and treatment, people with asthma can lead a normal and active life.
How to care for asthma patients on a daily basis
1. Avoid triggers: Know and avoid your own asthma triggers, such as pollen, dust, pet hair, cold air, etc. Maintain good indoor air quality and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals.
2. Use medication: Use prescribed asthma control medications and rescue medications on time according to your doctor's guidance. Control medications include inhaled steroids and long-acting bronchodilators for long-term symptom control; Rescue medications, such as short-acting beta-2 agonists, may be used for emergency relief during an acute asthma attack.
3. Learn to use inhalation devices correctly: Learn to use inhalation devices (e.g., inhalers, nebulizers, etc.) correctly to ensure that the drug can reach the lungs. Ask your doctor or nurse to demonstrate proper use and check the working condition of your inhalation device regularly.
4. Exercise regularly: Moderate aerobic exercise can improve lung function and cardiorespiratory endurance, but be careful to avoid strenuous exercise or exercise in highly polluted environments. Short-acting beta-2 agonists are used before exercise to prevent exercise-induced asthma symptoms.
5. Follow the principles of eating a healthy diet: Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet and increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid excessive intake of irritating foods or foods that may cause allergies.
6. Regular check-ups and consultations: Regular follow-up visits and consultations with your doctor to monitor your condition, adjust your treatment plan, and manage any new symptoms or exacerbations in a timely manner.
7. Emergency Response: Learn what to do in an emergency, how to use first aid medication correctly, and when to seek professional medical help.
People with asthma should take a comprehensive approach to care, including avoiding triggers, using medications correctly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and consulting with their doctor regularly to ensure that their condition is well managed and their quality of life improves. Always follow your doctor's advice and seek professional help promptly.
Although asthma has brought some trouble to the lives of patients, as long as we understand the truth of asthma and master the correct treatment and management methods, we can effectively control asthma symptoms and improve the quality of life.