World Asthma Day: Know All About This Health Condition

Asthma is a type of bronchial disease that affects the lungs. This is usually a chronic condition that leads to swollen and narrow airways that are usually blocked due to production of excess mucus. This causes difficulty in breathing, being active, and talking. Even though people of any age can get asthma, those who smoke tobacco or have allergies are more prone to asthma. If not treated or diagnosed at the right time, asthma can be life threatening. However, it can be managed with proper treatments and medications. This World Asthma Day, let us learn all about the types, causes, symptoms, and prevention of asthma in depth.

Types of Asthma

There are several different types of asthma that have varying triggers and causes that are described below.

1. Adult-Onset Asthma

It usually affects individuals who are 40 years of age or younger. However, it may affect people at any age.

2. Asthma in Children

Common symptoms of asthma in children include coughing, wheezing, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

3. Allergic Asthma

These attacks are mostly triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, and so on.

4. Non-Allergic Asthma

This type of asthma usually aggravates during extreme summers or winters.

5. Occupational Asthma

People who are exposed to dust, chemical fumes and other irritants while they are working are more likely to suffer from this asthma. 

6. Eosinophilic Asthma

This usually affects adults when they are 35 to 50 years of age. This is a severe form of asthma and attacks the body when the levels of white blood cells called eosinophils increase in the body.

7. Status Asthmaticus

This is also another very serious form of asthma that needs medical attention right away. 

8. Exercise Induced Bronchoconstriction

This usually happens during physical activities and other sorts of exertion when the air that we breathe in is drier than what is in our body. This leads to narrowing of the bronchial tubes and makes it difficult to breathe. 

Early Signs and Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma is a very common bronchial disease with certain symptoms that are stated below. However, it must be noted that not all asthma patients have the same symptoms, so it might vary from person to person. 

1. Coughing, especially in the morning or at night
2. Shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing
3. Feeling of pressure or pain near the chest area
4. Facing trouble while sleeping due to breathing difficulties
5. Wheezing 
6. Trouble talking or walking
7. Paced breathing

If you seem to continuously notice these above-mentioned signs and symptoms of asthma even after taking medicines, then you must visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Asthma

Asthma directly affects the respiratory system, especially the lungs. Listed below are a few common causes that might trigger asthma in some people: 

1. Cold, flu, sinusitis, or such infections
2. Strong perfume or odour
3. Air pollution and dust particles
4. Too much of activity, exercise, and exertion
5. Rapid weather changes and cold air
6. Tobacco and smoking
7. Allergens such as mould, pet dander, and pollens
8. Certain medicines
9. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
10. Food preservatives like sulfites commonly found in shrimp, beer, pickles, wine, and so on

Complications that Arise Due to Asthma

Asthma, if not diagnosed and treated at the right time, might lead to certain problems and complications. In order to avoid the complications stated below, it is very important to take note of the early signs and symptoms of asthma.

1. Chest pressure
2. Anxiety
3. Fast heart rate
4. Throat irritation
5. Frequent night cough
6. Frequent respiratory infection

If the symptoms of asthma are ignored, then it may even lead to serious diseases and medical conditions that are mentioned below.

1. Respiratory failure
2. Pneumonia
3. Permanently narrow airways in the lungs
4. Lung collapse
5. Premature delivery or miscarriage

Home Remedies and Easy Treatments for Asthma

Even though clinical treatment of asthma is the best option, here are a few home remedies that might help you keep your asthma attacks in control. However, keep in mind to contact and consult your doctor before taking or using any of the things mentioned below:

1. Garlic  

Garlic provides several health benefits and possesses amazing anti-inflammatory properties as well. This might help to relieve and lessen the symptoms of asthma. 

2. Honey 

This is often used to soothe sore throat and reduce coughing, therefore, honey might help in treating asthma and making the condition of the patient better.

3. Ginger 

This ingredient too has anti-inflammatory properties and may even relieve people with serious signs of asthma. Ginger even helps in regulating the overall respiratory and lung functions of the body.

4. Caffeine 

Caffeine is often used as a bronchodilator and might be effective for people prone to asthma. 

5. Omega-3 Oil

This can be found in flaxseeds and fish, and has several health benefits. It also decreases inflammation and may even help in improving lung function.

Prevention of Asthma

The following list consists of tips that might help you stay away from asthma and live a healthy life. This World Asthma Day Make sure you have to take care of yourself.

1. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
2. Try to avoid asthma triggers
3. Stay away from smoking
4. Include breathing exercises and yoga in your daily routine

Conclusion

Asthma, being a chronic disease, is usually difficult to cure. But if you avoid the triggers and take proper care of yourself, then it will not be difficult to ease the symptoms of asthma. The home remedies along with the right medications and guidance from your doctor will surely help you overcome asthma. This World Asthma Day, make sure you spread awareness about this health condition.