Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions of people around the world. It can happen at any age and is affected by multiple environmental and genetic agents. Untreated asthma can result in serious complications that affect life. Knowing how it affects the body, what causes it, and how to cure it is important, especially for people residing in metropolitan cities like Delhi that have high pollution levels and where respiratory conditions are common.
At Primus Super Speciality Hospital, we offer comprehensive treatment for asthma patients, with expert pulmonologists in Delhi providing every possible care. In this blog, we will cover the types, causes, triggers, symptoms, and treatment of asthma.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a long-term lung disease that leads to inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This causes difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, as well as chest tightness. The severity of asthma can vary from person to person and can be mild to life-threatening. Asthma is controllable but needs ongoing treatment and frequent treatment. Common symptoms of asthma include:
- Shortness of breath
- Breath sounds (e.g., wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing)
- Chest tightness or pain
- Persistent cough (especially at night or during early morning)
- Trouble sleeping from breathing problems
Causes of Asthma
Asthma has no single cause, but it is the result of genetic and environmental factors. The causes of asthma vary between different age groups.
Asthma Causes for Infants
Children with underdeveloped lungs are more likely to develop asthma. Common causes include:
- Allergy: A family history of asthma or allergies.
- Respiratory Infections: Severe early-life viral infections can damage lung function.
- Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: Passive smoking is a risk factor for asthma in infants.
Asthma Causes for Children
Childhood asthma is common and is often associated with environmental triggers such as
- Allergens: dust mites, pollen, mould, pet dander
- Cold or Flu: Respiratory infections can provoke asthma attacks.
- Exercise: Physical exercise can trigger symptoms of asthma in some children.
- Air Pollution: High levels of pollutants aggravate breathing problems.
Asthma Causes for Adults
Adult-onset asthma is frequently triggered by environmental and occupational factors, such as:
- Workplace Irritants: Chemicals, dust, fumes, and gases.
- Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can cause problems with breathing.
- Smoking: Both active and passive smoking increases the risk of asthma.
Asthma Causes for Old Age
Asthma can also develop in elderly individuals due to:
- Age-Related Changes in the Lungs: Decreased resting lung volume and elasticity.
- Respiratory Infections: Pneumonia and bronchitis elevate asthma risks.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications itself, like beta-blockers, can cause asthma symptoms.
Major Asthma Triggers
Apart from the underlying causes, several factors can act as triggers for an asthma attack:
- Airborne Allergens: Pollen, pet hair, mould, and dust mites.
- Weather changes: Cold air and humidity can be asthma triggers.
- Strong Smells and Chemicals: Perfumes, cleaning agents, and pollution.
- Exercise: Intense physical exercise can induce exercise-induced asthma.
- Emotional Stress: Breathing problems may also occur due to anxiety and panic attacks.
How doctors diagnose Asthma?
If you suspect asthma, get a proper diagnosis from a pulmonologist in Delhi. The diagnostic process may consist of the following tests:
- Lung Function Tests: Spirometry and peak flow tests help assess how well your lungs are functioning.
- Allergy Tests: Help identify specific allergens that may be causing your asthma.
- Chest X-ray: Rules out other lung diseases.
- Methacholine Challenge Test: If no results from other tests are conclusively indicative of asthma.
Asthma Treatment in Delhi
With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, asthma is a controllable condition. At Primus Super Speciality Hospital, we offer pulmonology treatment in Delhi to help our patients lead a normal life:
Quick-Relief Medicines (Rescue Inhalers)
Quick-relief medicines (also known as rescue or fast-acting medications), such as short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) and anticholinergics, provide instant relief from asthma attacks by rapidly dilating the airways, alleviating symptoms, and helping to manage sudden attacks of asthma by providing short-term control of symptoms.
Long-Term Control Medications
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) (to reduce lung inflammation), long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) (for long-term symptom control), and leukotriene modifiers (to block substances in the body that can cause asthma) are used for the long-term control of asthma.
Lifestyle Changes
The best way to manage respiratory health is to avoid any allergens and irritants, including a diet high in antioxidants, omega-3s, and betaine, and perform regular light-moderate exercise to increase lung capacity. Monitor air quality with air purifiers and stop smoking to ease severe symptoms. These lifestyle changes improve lung function, prevent the triggers, and help overall well-being.
Other Advance Treatment for Asthma
Advanced therapies for severe asthma consist of biologics that block immune pathways to reduce inflammation and bronchial thermoplasty, an outpatient procedure that reduces excessive airway muscle. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a supervised program that includes breathing exercises, medication education, and counselling designed to improve lung function and quality of life.
When to See a doctor for Asthma?
If you or your child experience frequent asthma symptoms, it is essential to visit a doctor for asthma as early as you can. Seek emergency care if you notice difficulty in speaking due to breathlessness or experience bluish lips or face and do not get relief even after using a rescue inhaler.
Whether you are looking for asthma treatment in Delhi or you need a specialised consultation, Primus Super Speciality Hospital offers top-tier pulmonary care. From our expert team of pulmonologists to personalised treatment plans, we will help you breathe easier and live a healthy life.
If you or a loved one needs expert asthma care, schedule an appointment today for the best pulmonology treatment in Delhi.
