Asthma affects nearly 25 million people in the United States, and 5-10% of these individuals have severe asthma. Of those diagnosed with severe asthma, 50% of people have uncontrolled asthma. Given the statistics, it is important to identify asthma symptoms in order to help those in need and get the necessary treatment.
Asthma is a chronic disease that causes tightening and swelling of the airways, and may include an increase of mucus, making it difficult for afflicted individuals to breathe. When experiencing these symptoms, afflicted individuals may suffer from wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. For some, asthma may be a mild condition that does not require medical attention, while for others it may be severe and life-threatening.
Asthma is classified into four types, ranging from moderate to severe depending on the frequency and severity of symptoms. Healthcare providers consider the results of physical examinations and diagnostic tests to determine the type of asthma that a patient has. These types include:
- Mild intermittent asthma
- Mild persistent asthma
- Moderate persistent asthma
- Severe persistent asthma
Knowing the severity of the asthma helps to determine what level of treatment the patient needs. Asthma is a lifelong condition, but its severity can be controlled and altered over time by monitoring its treatment and following your physician’s instructions.
For severe asthma, high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus other asthma-controlling medications are necessary, and the addition of oral corticosteroids may also be required. These are prescribed to asthma patients in the form of inhalers, tablets, or injections and are used to treat reactions as they occur.
If asthma symptoms persist despite the use of prescriptions and treatment plans, the condition is referred to as uncontrolled asthma.
It is necessary to recognize the triggers that cause an asthma attack, in order to treat it affectively. These triggers are usually conditioned by the patient’s environment, and can include tobacco smoke, dust mites, air pollution, cockroach allergens, pet hairs, mold, smoke or grass.
The following conditions are also possible triggers for asthma reactions:
- Influenza (flu) associated infections
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Sinusitis, allergies, and certain chemicals
- Heartburn
- Physical exercise
- Certain medications
- Bad weather, including high humidity or cold dry air
- Certain foods, additives, and fragrances
- States of anxiety or panic, if hyperventilation occurs
Remember, these triggers are not universal, and are related to the degree of severity of your asthma type. With any type of asthma, it is important to learn from your trusted physician about the best treatment for you and how to manage your symptoms, with regular check-ups to keep track of your condition. A plan of action against asthma attacks is an integral part of any treatment plan, complete with steps to follow when symptoms occur. It is recommended that you share your plan with a trusted person who can act together with you in case of an asthma attack.
To know if the treatment is working, there are several indicators you can check in your day-to-day activities. If you only need to use your rescue inhaler less than 2 times a week, or if you can perform your normal activities (including exercise) with ease, it is likely that your treatment plan is making a positive impact on your condition. You should also experience much fewer visits to the emergency room, if your treatment is proving effective.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/es/faqs.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/asthma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369660
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