Asthma: Symptoms, Types, Causes & Treatment

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, producing extra mucus. As a result, a person finds it difficult to draw in air and breathe.
The severity of asthma varies among patients. Some individuals experience mild episodes, whereas others have life-threatening attacks. Respiratory conditions like cold, flu and influenza worsen asthma, producing more mucus and shortness of breath.

Asthma can’t be cured; however, the symptoms can be managed. The condition changes over time, and hence, it is always necessary to remain in touch with an asthma specialist in Kolkata, like Dr. Amitabha Saha, who can give the best treatment and guidance to deal with the condition.

Symptoms Of Asthma

The common symptoms of asthma include the following:

• Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing, especially after any physical activity.
• Wheezing: A whistling sound during the exhaling of air, often due to blocked airways.
• Coughing: Persistent coughing, especially early in the morning and at night.
• Chest tightness: A feeling of tightness in the chest.

These symptoms are often triggered by several factors, such as allergens, air pollution, respiratory infections or physical exertion. Managing these symptoms requires careful management and proper diagnosis by an asthma specialist.

What Are The Causes Of Asthma?

Several genetic and environmental factors play a significant role in the development of asthma.

• Genetics: A family history of asthma puts you at a higher risk of developing the condition. Moreover, certain genes also predispose individuals to asthma.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to toxins, smoke, allergens, and fumes irritate the airways and trigger asthma attacks.
• Allergies: Having any kind of allergies greatly raises the risk of developing asthma.
• Respiratory conditions: Certain respiratory infections, particularly viral ones like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus, act as common asthma triggers.

Types of Asthma

Asthma can be classified into several types depending on its trigger and severity.

• Allergic: This occurs as a response to allergens like dust, smoke, pollen and mould.
• Non-allergic: It occurs due to stress, weather flare-ups and other illnesses.
• Occupational: This type of asthma mainly happens in individuals who work near irritating substances, such as in factories, construction sites and hospitals.
• Exercise-induced: It is seen in individuals who are otherwise healthy but have asthma after physical exertion.
• Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS): This happens when the patient has both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Treatment Options For Asthma

Although asthma can’t be cured permanently, it can be managed effectively under the supervision of an asthma specialist.

• Inhalers: They provide immediate relief by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing the airways to draw in more air.
• Anti-inflammatory medicines: These medicines are prescribed to reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways. This makes it easier for the air to enter and exit the lungs.
• Biologic therapies: It is for severe patients and works by disrupting the specific cells or blocking specific molecules that make your airways swell.
• Breathing techniques: Exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing or pursed-lip breathing improve lung function and manage asthma symptoms.

Final Words

If you are struggling with asthma, get in touch with an asthma specialist in Kolkata like Dr Amitabha Saha, who knows how to cure the condition with the help of quality diagnosis and treatment.