Managing Asthma: Tips and Advice for Keeping Symptoms Under Control

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects millions of people of all ages in India. A person with asthma has sensitive airways, which can easily become inflamed and constricted, causing chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Asthma can range from mild to severe and can be managed with the right treatment. In this guide, you’ll learn about asthma - what it is, its causes, treatments, and strategies to manage and reduce asthma symptoms.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a lung condition that affects the airways, making it difficult for air to pass through them. When a person has asthma, the airways become irritated, tightening and narrowing when exposed to what’s called an “asthma trigger.” Common triggers may include airborne allergens like pollen and pet fur, cold air, smoke, and exercise.

When the airways narrow, this can cause the following symptoms:

• Coughing

• Wheezing

• Shortness of breath

• Chest tightness

It’s important to understand that not everyone who has asthma will experience all of the symptoms listed above. Additionally, the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.

What Causes Asthma?

The actual cause of asthma isn’t entirely known by medical professionals, but the condition is believed to be triggered by a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. People can inherit a tendency to develop asthma, so if you have a family history of asthma it’s more likely that you’ll develop it. Environmental triggers, such as pollution and allergens, can also play a role in developing asthma.

It’s also important to note that there are certain medical conditions that may increase a person’s risk of developing asthma. These include:

• Allergies

• Obesity

• Premature birth

• Viral respiratory illnesses

• Smoking during pregnancy

Asthma Diagnosis

If you believe you may have asthma or your doctor suspects that you have asthma, they may order a series of tests to make a diagnosis. These may include a physical exam, lung function tests, and allergy tests. The lung function test is a way to measure how well the person’s lungs are working and whether there is any breathing obstruction associated with asthma. Allergy tests are used to determine what allergens, if any, may be triggering an asthma attack.

Asthma Treatments

Once diagnosed, treatment for asthma will depend on the severity of a person’s symptoms. Common treatments may include:

• Inhalers—These deliver medication directly to the lungs.

• Oral medications—These include pills and liquid medications that help reduce airway inflammation.

• Immunotherapy—This type of therapy helps reduce sensitivity to certain asthma triggers.

• Surgery—In cases of severe asthma, surgery may be recommended to reduce airway constriction.

It’s important to note that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to treating asthma. Treatment plans should be tailored to the individual and will be ongoing.

Managing Asthma Symptoms

Along with a treatment plan prescribed by your doctor, there are some things that individuals with asthma can do on their own to improve their symptoms. These include avoiding known triggers, such as smoking, cold air, and pet fur. Additionally, staying away from air pollution and exercising regularly can help keep airways more open.

It’s also important to keep an emergency inhaler handy at all times. In the case of an asthma attack, the inhaler should be used promptly and any certain doctor’s orders should be followed.

Reduce Your Risk

There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing asthma symptoms or an asthma attack. These include:

• Minimizing exposure to allergens

• Avoiding potential triggers

• Eating a healthy diet

• Getting regular exercise

• Quitting smoking

Additionally, it’s important to keep up with your treatment plan and take any medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Conclusion

Asthma can cause difficult and disruptive symptoms and even life-threatening asthma attacks. However, with the right treatment plan, lifestyle approaches, and preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of asthma and manage your symptoms. If you think you may have asthma, talk to your doctor right away to develop a plan that’s right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are common questions answered about managing asthma.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects millions of people of all ages in India. A person with asthma has sensitive airways, which can easily become inflamed and constricted, causing chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

What causes asthma?

The actual cause of asthma isn’t entirely known, but it is believed to be triggered by a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. People can inherit a tendency to develop asthma and environmental triggers, such as pollution and allergens, can also play a role.

What treatments are available for asthma?

Common treatments for asthma may include inhalers, oral medications, immunotherapy, and surgery in the case of severe asthma. It’s important to have a tailored treatment plan and to take any medications as prescribed by your doctor.

What can I do to reduce my risk of asthma symptoms?

There are some lifestyle approaches you can take to reduce your risk of asthma symptoms or an asthma attack. These include avoiding known triggers, avoiding air pollution, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and keeping an emergency inhaler handy.