WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ASTHMA

WHAT IS ASTHMA?

A lung disorder characterized by narrowing of the airways, the tubes which carry air into the lungs, that are inflamed and constricted, causing shortness of breath, wheezing and cough. Condition Highlight Urgent medical attention is usually recommended in severe cases by healthcare providers Is condition treatable? Treatable by a medical professional Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging? Requires lab test or imaging Time taken for recovery Can last several years or be lifelong Condition Highlight Family history may increase likelihood Condition Image

Overview

Causes

It isn't clear why some people get asthma and others don't, but it's probably due to a combination of environmental and inherited (genetic) factors.

Asthma triggers

Exposure to various irritants and substances that trigger allergies (allergens) can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma. Asthma triggers are different from person to person and can include:

• Airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste

• Respiratory infections, such as the common cold

• Physical activity

• Cold air

• Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke

• Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve)

• Strong emotions and stress

• Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat

5 ways to keep your asthma under control

Asthma is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases, affecting an estimated 262 million people in 2019, and causing nearly half a million deaths every year.

• Although asthma cannot be cured, people with asthma can enjoy a normal life if correctly diagnosed and treated. Inhalers (both bronchodilators and steroids) are considered essential medicines in the WHO package of essential noncommunicable disease interventions for primary health care and should be available to all people living with asthma around the world.

  On World Asthma Day, WHO experts offer 5 tips on how to manage your asthma better.

  1. Be aware of your symptoms

  Cough, wheeze and difficulty breathing are all signs that your asthma is not well controlled. If you feel that your symptoms are getting worse, follow the instructions from your doctor. Use a reliever inhaler (e.g. salbutamol) with a spacer to open your airways.

  2. Identify and avoid your triggers

  Common triggers include smoke, fumes, viral infections, pollen, changes in the weather, animal fur and feathers, and strong fragrances. Know what affects you and try to avoid if possible. If not possible, make sure you have your reliever inhaler readily available.

  3. Know your inhalers

  A reliever inhaler (also called a bronchodilator) opens up the small airways and improves airflow in and out of the lungs. Use this when you have symptoms

  A steroid or preventer inhaler reduces inflammation in the lungs and is an essential part of long term asthma treatment. By using a steroid inhaler, as directed by your doctor, you will improve your symptoms and reduce the risk of a severe attack.

  Inhalers are the safest, most effective treatment for asthma and allow people with asthma to lead a normal, active life.

  4. Use a spacer

  A spacer is a plastic chamber which connects the inhaler at one end, to your mouth via a mouthpiece or mask at the other end. It can help inhaled medicines to reach the small airways in the lungs and work better. The spacer allows more time for the medicine to be breathed in and means that less coordination is required. Without a spacer, you have to breath in deeply and press the inhaler at the same time – inhaled medicine often ends up in the mouth or throat and is ineffective. Some types of inhaler (e.g. dry powder inhalers) do not need a spacer – check with your doctor if you are unsure.

  

  Credit: Getty Images / Pollyana Ventura

  5. Take back control

  Knowledge is power. Ask your doctor to explain how your inhaled medicines work and how you should use them. Make sure your friends and family also know what to do if your asthma is bad. By taking your inhalers early, when you first notice that your symptoms are worsening, you can avoid a serious attack.