By Barbara Pierce
Asthma is a lung condition that often develops or worsens later in life. For some, it’s a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
We asked physician Harry Capone, of Oneida Health TriValley Family Medicine practice in Canastota, for more information about this common chronic condition.
“Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in your lungs, causing them to become inflamed and narrow,” said Capone. “This makes breathing difficult and can lead to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Depending on the individual and their treatment, asthma can range from a mild inconvenient illness to a life-threatening medical problem.”
1. What causes it?
“Asthma is usually inherited as a genetic predisposition,” Capone said. “It’s often triggered by a combination of environmental factors and activities. Common triggers include allergens (like pollen, dust mites and pet dander), respiratory infections, exercise, cold air and irritants such as smoke.”
It may develop or worsen with age because our lungs naturally lose elasticity and lung muscles weaken. Also, our immune system slows down and we often have other health issues. In addition, years of exposure to smoke, vaping or other irritants can take a toll on our lungs. About half of adults with asthma develop it later in life and it’s often more severe if it starts older, according to allergyasthmanetwork.org online.
2. What are the symptoms?
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times, such as when exercising or have symptoms all the time.
According to the Mayoclinic.org, asthma signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, wheezing when exhaling (which is a common sign of asthma in children), trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu.
For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations. An asthma flare-up (or attack or exacerbation) is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms, where airways become inflamed, swollen, and produce excess mucus, causing muscles to tighten, making it hard to breathe with symptoms like wheezing, coughing and chest tightness, requiring quick-relief inhalers or emergency care for severe cases.
3. How can flare-ups be avoided?
Capone advised the following to help avoid asthma flare-ups: “Identify and avoid your personal triggers. Avoid smoking and smoke exposure. Keep your home clean and free of allergens. Take prescribed medications regularly. Monitor your symptoms and use an action plan that you create with your health care provider.”
According to the Americanlungassociation.org, cold weather in particular is a common asthma trigger because the cold, dry air can irritate the airways causing coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Staying inside means a higher risk of exposure to indoor allergens, irritants and respiratory viruses. Common asthma triggers like dust, pet dander and pests may be more likely to accumulate. Vacuuming and dusting your home frequently, washing your sheets and blankets with hot water frequently and using an air cleaner are all good ways to reduce indoor triggers.
4. When to see a doctor about asthma
If your asthma is not completely controlled, see your health care provider, advised Capone. “Uncontrolled asthma can sometimes present as a cough that does not improve, wheezing or shortness of breath. If you experience frequent symptoms, nighttime awakenings from asthma symptoms or if your prescribed medications are not providing relief, reach out to your health care provider right away,” he said.
Treating asthma early may prevent long-term lung damage and help keep it from getting worse over time.
To monitor your asthma after diagnosis, work with your health care provider to keep it under control. Good long-term control helps you feel better from day to day and can prevent a life-threatening asthma attack. Work with your health care provider to determine what to do if your symptoms worsen and when you need emergency treatment.
“Severe shortness of breath or difficulty speaking during an attack requires emergency care,” Capone added. Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening.
According to MayoClinic.org, seek immediate help if you experience severe shortness of breath, worsening symptoms even after using a quick-relief inhaler, difficulty talking, walking, confusion or color changes in lips or face.
5. Is treatment usually successful?
“Yes,” said Capone. “With proper management — including medications, lifestyle adjustments and regular follow-up with their health care provider, most people with asthma can live active, healthy lives.”
Asthma can’t be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Because asthma often changes over time, it’s important to work with your health care provider to track your signs and symptoms and adjust your treatment as needed.