Asthma is one of the most common chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, affecting both children and adults. It is one of the most common lifestyle and environmental diseases today.
While it cannot be completely cured, it can be managed and prevented. Through lifestyle changes and awareness of risk factors and triggers, it can help reduce its impact on daily life. With the right treatment and proper care, affected people can lead a normal and healthy life.
Table of Contents
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition that affects the airways in the lungs. Airways are tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, your airways become inflamed and narrowed. This makes it difficult for your airways to allow air in and out of your lungs. If untreated, asthma can lead to a lethal condition.
Understanding asthma is important because it helps patients and doctors to manage the condition more effectively.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
- Long-term cough
- Chest tightness
- Whistling sound when breathing, especially at night
Causes
Genetic factors
- Family history of asthma increases the risk.
- Certain genes make airways more sensitive to allergens.
Lifestyle factors
- Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke.
- Overweight or obesity
- Stress
- Lack of physical activity
Environmental factors
- Air pollution, dust, smoke, and strong smells.
- Occupational exposure to dust and chemicals.
- Seasonal changes, cold, and moist air.
Respiratory infections
- Frequent lung infections can damage the airways and make them sensitive, thereby increasing the risk of complications later in life.
Risk factors
- Indoor or outdoor air pollution
- Allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander
- Respiratory infections like sinusitis, cold, and flu
- Stress and depression
- Weather changes (cold or humid air)
- Family history (parent or sibling)
- Repeated respiratory infections
Complications
If not controlled, it may lead to:
- Permanent narrowing of airways
- Chance of severe attack
- Increased risk of lung infections
- Reduced quality of life and physical activity
Prevention & management
While asthma can not be permanently cured, it can be effectively managed. People with asthma can live a healthy and active life by adopting the following asthma management plan:
Avoid triggers
- Understand your asthma, identify the triggers like dust, pet hair, pollen, and smoke that cause your symptoms to worsen, and stay away from them.
- Keep your surroundings clean and avoid smoke areas.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Add exercising to your daily routine, but with the guidance of your health assistant to avoid exercise-induced attacks.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stop smoking and prevent yourself from secondhand smoke.
Manage stress
- Practice breathing exercises such as pranayama and yoga.
- Emotional stress can induce attacks, so being in relaxation is important.
Follow your medication plan
- Long-term control medicines reduce the inflammation in the airways.
- Follow the medication, such as an inhaler, prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Quick relief inhalers are used during sudden attacks. It’s better to keep them with you every time.
Key Note
The United Nations has set 17 goals with 169 targets for global sustainable development. Among the 17 goals, the third goal assures a healthy life and promotes physical and mental well-being. The fourth target of goal 3 is to “reduce by one-third early deaths from lifestyle diseases, particularly Asthma (Non-communicable diseases) through prevention and treatment” by 2030.
Conclusion
Asthma is not the same for everyone. Understanding your type of asthma is the first step toward controlling it. By identifying the right triggers and with proper care, it can be managed easily. Prevention is better than cure, always. Through healthy lifestyle choices and food habits, it can be effectively prevented.
