Asthma: causes, symptoms, trigger, inhaler techniques, diagnosis medication and prevention

Writer : Khalipha Justice / Reviewed : Aminu salisu Kano Ph.D / Editor : Victoria solomon

Definition

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways, causing inflammation and narrowing of the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. This narrowing makes it difficult to breathe, causing symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be triggered by a variety of factors, including allergens, irritants, exercise, and respiratory infections.

Symptoms

The symptoms of asthma can vary from person to person, but the most common ones include:

• Wheezing: This is a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing in or out.
• Coughing: This is a persistent cough, especially at night or early in the morning.
• Shortness of breath: A victim may face difficulty in breathing, often accompanied by chest tightness.
• Chest tightness: This is a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest.

Symptoms of asthma can be mild, moderate or severe, and can vary over time. Some people experience symptoms only during certain activities, while others experience symptoms all the time.

Diagnosis

Asthma is diagnosed based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and lung function tests. During the medical history, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, triggers, and family history of asthma. During the physical examination, your doctor will listen to your lungs and check for signs of asthma, such as wheezing and chest tightness. Lung function tests, such as spirometry, measure how much air you can exhale and how fast you can do it.

Triggers

Asthma triggers are substances or activities that can cause asthma symptoms to flare up. Common asthma triggers include:

• Allergens: These are substances that cause an allergic reaction. Examples are dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.
• Irritants: Irritants are substances that irritate the airways, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and strong odors.
• Exercise: Vigorous physical activities can trigger asthma symptoms in some people.
• Respiratory infections: Cold and flu viruses can trigger asthma symptoms.
• Weather changes: Cold air, humidity, and sudden changes in temperature also poses as asthma symptoms trigger.

Avoiding asthma triggers is an essential part of managing the disease. Patients should identify their triggers and take steps to avoid or minimize exposure to them.

Medications

There are two main types of medications used to treat asthma: bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs. Bronchodilators relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation in the airways, helping to prevent asthma symptoms.

Bronchodilators include short-acting and long-acting beta-agonists, which are used to relieve symptoms quickly and prevent symptoms from occurring. Anti-inflammatory drugs include inhaled corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation in the airways, and leukotriene modifiers, which prevent the release of chemicals that cause inflammation.

Inhaler Techniques

Using an inhaler correctly is crucial for ensuring that patients get the full benefits of their medications. Community health extension workers can help patients learn how to use their inhalers properly. Here are simple steps on how to effectively use an inhaler: 

• Remove the cap and shake the inhaler before use.
• Breathe out completely before placing the mouthpiece in the mouth.
•  Press down on the inhaler to release the medication while inhaling deeply.
•  Hold the breath for several seconds before exhaling slowly.
•  Rinse the mouth with water after using a steroid inhaler to prevent thrush.

Asthma Action Plan

An asthma action plan is a written document that outlines steps to take in case of worsening asthma symptoms. This plan helps patients and their families to recognize early warning signs, and take actions to prevent an asthma attack. An asthma action plan should include the following:

1.  A list of medications, including how and when to use them.
2.  Early warning signs of worsening asthma, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
3.  Steps to take when asthma symptoms worsen, such as increasing medication, contacting a healthcare provider, or seeking emergency care.

Emergency Response

Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Signs of a severe asthma attack include:

• Severe wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath. 
• Difficulty in speaking or breathing.
• Bluish lips or face.
• Rapid pulse or heartbeat.

Community health extension workers should be trained in recognizing and responding to severe asthma attacks. Emergency response may include administering a quick-relief inhaler, calling for emergency medical services, or administering CPR.

Education

Education is a critical component of asthma management. Community health extension workers can provide patients and their families with information on how to manage asthma. Some of these noteworthy tips include:

1.  Avoid triggers such as allergens and irritants
2.  Take medication as prescribed, including proper inhaler use.
3.  Recognize early warning signs of worsening asthma.
4.  Develope an asthma action plan.
5.  Seek medical attention when necessary.

Referral

Community health extension workers should refer patients to a higher level of care, such as a hospital or a specialist, when necessary. Referral may be necessary in the following cases:

• Severe asthma attacks that do not respond to quick-relief medications.
•  Poor asthma control despite appropriate treatment.
•  Complications such as respiratory infections or pneumonia.

Prevention

Preventing asthma is not always possible, but reducing exposure to common triggers can help prevent asthma symptoms from occurring. Below are some strategies for preventing asthma:

1.  Avoid or minimize exposure to allergens and irritants.
2. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke (secondhand smoke occurs when people breathe in smoke breathed out by people who smoke or from burning tobacco products).
3. Maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular physical activity.
4.  Get vaccinated against respiratory infections, such as the flu and pneumonia.
5. Take prescribed medications as directed by a healthcare provider.

To sum up, Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Managing asthma requires a combination of medication, avoidance of triggers, and education on how to recognize and respond to worsening symptoms. Community health extension workers play a crucial role in asthma management in areas such as: proper inhaler use, developing an asthma action plan, recognizing emergency symptoms, and referring patients to higher levels of care when necessary. By working together, healthcare providers, patients, and their families can help to ensure that asthma is properly managed and that patients can lead healthy, active lives.

• References

• Global Initiative for Asthma. (2021). Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention. Retrieved from https://ginasthma.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GINA-Main-Report-2021-V2-WMS.pdf
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Asthma. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/default.htm
• American Lung Association. (2021). Asthma. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Asthma. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma
• Mayo Clinic. (2021). Asthma. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653
• British Thoracic Society. (2019). British Guideline on the Management of Asthma. Retrieved from https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/quality-improvement/guidelines/asthma/
• Global Initiative for Asthma. (2019). Pocket Guide for Asthma Management and Prevention. Retrieved from https://ginasthma.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/GINA-2019-main-Pocket-Guide-wms.pdf
• World Health Organization. (2018). Asthma Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
• National Asthma Council Australia. (2021). Australian Asthma Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.asthmahandbook.org.au/
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2021). Asthma Overview. Retrieved from https://www.aafa.org/asthma/