Asthma is a condition that makes breathing difficult due to inflamed and narrowed airways. This article will give you a general idea about asthma and its signs, conditions and treatments. There are a number of treatment options available for it such as, inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, long-acting beta agonists, long-acting muscarinic antagonists and combination inhalers. Recently, in a double-blinded study, 70% of patients with asthma reported notable relief from all asthma-related symptoms after using an Ayurvedic treatment for six weeks. (1)
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects people of all ages. It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, causing them to become narrow and swollen. It may produce extra mucus as well. (2)
Signs and Symptoms
Asthma is characterized by a range of signs and symptoms related to airway inflammation and obstruction. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath: difficulty breathing or feeling like you can’t get enough air, especially during physical activity or at night.
- Coughing: persistent coughing, especially at night or early in the morning, which can be dry or produce mucus.
- Chest tightness: a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest, which can sometimes be described as a band squeezing around the chest
- Increased mucus in the airways can lead to coughing up phlegm.
- Difficulty sleeping or frequent awakeness.
- Feeling fatigued.
- Breathlessness with activity: struggling to breathe during exercise or physical exertion.
- A decrease in respiratory flow rate
These symptoms can vary in frequency and intensity and may be triggered or worsened by various factors such as allergens, irritants, respiratory infections, or weather changes. (3)
Read More:- Managing Asthma Naturally: The Promise of CBD Oil
Types of Asthma
Today Asthma is no longer considered a single disease. Asthma is often categorized into different types. They include:
- Allergic Asthma: this type of asthma is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet hair.
- Non-allergic Asthma: this type can be triggered by non-allergic factors including cold air, infections, and stress.
- Occupational Asthma: exposure to certain substances at work, such as wool, dust, or specific fumes, can lead to asthma. (Vandenplas & Malo, 2003)
- Exercise-induced Asthma: physical activity can trigger asthma in individuals who are genetically predisposed. (Godfrey, 1975)
- Aspirin-induced Asthma: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin can exacerbate asthma symptoms. (Szczeklik & Stevenson, 2003)
- Nocturnal Asthma: many people with asthma experience symptoms during the night, which can disrupt sleep and impact overall quality of life. (Sutherland, 2005)
- Cough-variant Asthma is mostly marked by symptoms like persistent coughing.
Cause and Risk Factors
These include:
- Hereditary factors: Hereditary factors play a significant role in asthma, with the condition often running in families. For example, having a parent with asthma, particularly a mother, can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. In addition to genetics, other risk factors include exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy or early childhood, and being born prematurely. Environmental factors like exposure to allergens and air pollution also contribute to the risk of developing asthma.
- Environmental factors: exposure to allergens and irritants such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and tobacco smoke can trigger asthma symptoms and contribute to its onset.
- Respiratory infections such as viral infections, particularly during early childhood, can increase the risk of developing asthma or exacerbate existing asthma.
- Air pollution: exposure to pollutants like ozone, particulate matter, and other environmental toxins can irritate the airway and increase asthma risk.
- Physical activity
- Allergic reactions: allergies to substances such as food, insects, or certain chemicals can contribute to asthma development and exacerbation.
- Occupational exposure: certain jobs and workplaces expose individuals to irritants and allergens, such as dust, chemicals, or fumes, which can lead to occupational asthma.
- Obesity: being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of asthma, possibly due to inflammatory and mechanical effects on the respiratory system.
Diagnosis
There are many ways to diagnose Asthma such as:
- Physical Examination: To determine if you have a respiratory infection or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a physical exam will be conducted.
- Spirometry: This test assesses the constriction of your bronchial tubes by measuring the volume of air you can exhale after taking a deep breath, as well as how quickly you can exhale.
- Peak Flow Measurement: A peak flow meter is a basic tool used to gauge the strength of your exhalation. Lower than usual peak flow readings are a sign that your lungs may not be working as well and that your asthma may be getting worse.
One of the main ways to diagnose any type of asthma is spirometry. Once asthma is confirmed using spirometry, further testing is done to evaluate lung function. (5)
Depending on the diagnosis, there are different management steps and treatment options that can help. (4)
Treatment options
Managing asthma primarily involves reducing airway inflammation. Common treatments include:
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS): used for long-term asthma control.
- Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs): used for long-term asthma control.
- Short-acting beta-agonists (SABs): act as rescue medications during acute asthma attacks.
Recently, full-spectrum CBD has gained attention for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests it might offer greater neuroprotective benefits compared to vitamins C and E. Full-spectrum CBD oil may help decrease airway hyper-responsiveness, making the lungs less sensitive to asthma triggers and potentially reducing flare-ups and symptoms like coughing.
A 2019 study found that CBD reduces airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness in mice with allergic asthma. One such example of pure CBD oil is Cannazo India’s Placidiol. However, further human studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness. Preliminary research indicates that a daily dose of up to 1,500 milligrams of CBD appears to be safe for humans.
Prevention
To effectively prevent asthma, combining various treatment strategies and being aware of misinformation is beneficial. Key prevention tips include:
- Adhere to prescribed medications: consistently take the long-term medicines your healthcare provider prescribes to manage asthma.
- Address myths: consult your doctor to clarify any misconceptions or myths about asthma to ensure you have accurate information.
- Incorporate natural remedies: enhance your quality of life by integrating holistic practices such as probiotics, yoga, exercise, and breathing techniques alongside your regular medication.
Conclusion
In summary, recognizing asthma signs and understanding its different triggers is essential for effective management. Combining prescribed medications with trigger avoidance and holistic approaches can enhance control over symptoms and improve quality of life. Staying informed and proactive is key to managing asthma successfully.
Reference
- Asthma. (2022). Biogetica Fill Spectrum Health. https://www.biogetica.com/how-to-find-natural-treatment-to-cure-asthma/?msclkid=bad20beb388712d13a806d31a6822ac0&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=DSA%20-%20AKM&utm_term=biogetica&utm_content=All%20webpages
- World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2024b, May 6). Asthma. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
- Asthma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. (2024, April 6). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653
- American Lung Association. (n.d.). Types of asthma. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/learn-about-asthma/types
- Asthma – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic. (2024, April 6). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369660
