What are the types of asthma and how are they treated, Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes inflammation of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
It also causes narrowing of the airway muscles and increased mucus production when exposed to certain triggers such as viral infections, allergens, and cigarette smoke.
Asthma occurs when the lining of the airways thickens and the surrounding muscles narrow. When mucus fills the airways, it reduces the amount of air that can pass through. Treatment involves using bronchodilators and relaxants.
Types of Asthma
There are several types of asthma, classified according to their symptoms and causes. Some common types include:
- Allergic asthma, which occurs due to allergies to irritants such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.
- Non-allergic asthma, which is caused by airborne irritants such as cigarette smoke, wood burning, viral infections, and perfumes.
- Occupational asthma, which results from exposure to certain substances such as fumes, dyes, dust, or chemicals. Stress-induced asthma occurs during physical exertion.
- Aspirin-induced asthma, also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is triggered by the use of aspirin.
- Nocturnal asthma, where symptoms worsen at night, potentially disrupting sleep, is another type.
- Indoor asthma, caused by exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and cleaning products, is also a type of asthma.
Causes of Asthma
The exact cause of asthma is unknown, but several environmental and genetic factors increase the risk of developing it. These include:
- Environmental factors such as cigarette smoke or certain germs.
- Viral infections that affect breathing.
- Allergies to food or pollen.
- Obesity can worsen asthma symptoms.
- Asthma is more common in boys than girls.
- It is more prevalent in adult women and adolescents than in men.
- Inhaling chemicals in the workplace increases the risk of developing asthma.
Asthma Symptoms
Some asthma symptoms may be mild and resolve with treatment, while others can be severe. These symptoms include:
- Coughing, especially at night.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Chest pain and tightness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Anxiety or stress.
- Rapid breathing.
- Wheezing.
Asthma Treatment
Asthma treatment depends on the patient's condition and age. The treating physician will prescribe medications to relieve symptoms, including bronchodilators containing only beta-agonists, and some containing corticosteroids.
They may also prescribe bronchodilators and corticosteroids, which are available as inhalers or administered intravenously. Anticholinergics and immunosuppressants may also be prescribed.
In some cases, allergy medications may be prescribed to treat asthma attacks, and expectorants may be prescribed to treat asthma coughs. However, severe cases require hospitalization for monitoring of blood oxygen levels.
Asthma Medications
- Farcolin Tablets
- Butalin Inhaler
- Mucophylline Syrup
- Eipicophylline Syrup
- Becolosone Forte Inhaler
- Ventolin
- Atrovent
- Bambedil Syrup
- Alvesco Inhaler
How to Prevent Asthma
There is no single way to prevent asthma, but asthma attacks can be prevented and symptoms relieved by:
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a healthy diet
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding triggers
- Avoiding exposure to cold air
- Breathing exercises to improve breathing control
- Losing weight if obese
- Getting the seasonal flu vaccine to reduce the severity of the flu
Herbs that soothe asthma symptoms
- Ginger relaxes the respiratory muscles and reduces inflammation in the airways.
- Honey is used to soothe coughs and relieve sore throats.
- Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Black seed (Nigella sativa) helps alleviate asthma symptoms in some patients.
- Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties.
Article Summary
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways in the lungs of the respiratory system, causing them to narrow and become inflamed. This leads to shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing due to obstructed airflow.
Asthma attacks are often triggered by conditions such as colds, the flu, allergies, or inhaling irritants like chemicals in the workplace. Doctors prescribe medications to help open the airways, especially during an attack.