ASTHMA- Causes, types and symptoms

 
        Asthma is a long term disease of the lungs. It is usually caused by an inflammatory reaction which leads to narrowing of the airways. This leads to symptoms like cough, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness to appear.

Globally, Asthma is one of the major non-communicable disease affecting nearly 300 million people worldwide. According to The Global Asthma Report 2018, asthma contributes to less than 1% of all deaths in most countries. Among India's 1.31 billion people, about 6% of children and 2% of adults have asthma. Although treatment for asthma has improved substantially, the prevalence of asthma continues to increase in low and middle income countries.

CAUSES AND TRIGGERS OF ASTHMA

• Exposure to dust, pollen, animal dander.
• Certain foods.
• Respiratory viral infections.
• Air pollutants like Smoking, Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen   dioxide, Ozone.

• Exercise.
• Exposure to cold.

TYPES OF ASTHMA 

1. ATOPIC ASTHMA 
This disease usually begins in childhood. It is triggered by enviromental allergens like dust, pollen, animal dander and foods. These individuals have increased sensitivity to these allergens. Therefore even slightest exposure to the above mentioned conditions lead to an inflammatory reaction. A positive family history is common.

2. NON-ATOPIC ASTHMA
Common triggers for non-atopic asthma are respiratory infections caused by viruses, air pollutants, exposure to cold and exercise. A positive family history is less common in this type.

3. DRUG INDUCED ASTHMA 
Some drugs when administered can lead to an attack of asthma. Such drugs include Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID's). Examples of such drugs are Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc. Other drugs such as Beta blockers should also be avoided in Asthma patients.

4. OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA 
This form of asthma may be triggered by fumes (plastic), dusts (wood, cotton, platinum) or certain gases. Only minute quantities of chemicals are required to induce the attack.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA

• Dyspnea (difficulty in breathing).
• Chest tightness.
• Wheezing.
• Cough.
• Cyanosis (bluish discolouration of skin) in severe cases.

PREVENTIONS 

• Identify your triggers and take steps to stay away from them.

• Avoid smoking as it may aggravate the asthma attack.

• Stay away from allergens.

• Take proper medications as prescribed by your doctor.

• Do a warm up for 5-10 minutes before exercise.

• Cover your nose and mouth while exercising in cold  weather.