What Are the Causes of Severe Asthma and Its Best Treatments?

Asthma affects many millions of individuals in India- right from children to fully grown adults. Almost 13% of all cases diagnosed globally belong to India. Asthma is caused when there is inflammation and excessive mucus production in the airways, leading to symptoms of breathlessness and a distinct whistling, wheezy sound that is heard when someone tries to breathe in or out. There are many triggers which can cause these symptoms. Some of the common ones include seasonal changes, temperature and humidity drops, while others vary from one individual to another- like a strong smelling perfume or eating a particular kind of food or drinking something too cold etc.

Common Triggers And Risk Factors For Severe Asthma

Asthma may be acute or chronic- which means it may be a sudden reaction to some massive trigger or it is a condition that may come and go over the years and hence, an individual needs to learn how to manage it effectively. Let us look at some common triggers and risk factors that may exacerbate the condition-

• Cold weather and low humidity can mean cool air, which is an irritant to your airways. This will increase the production of mucus, as it is a protective mechanism.
• Dust and related fine particulate matter can cause an allergic reaction.
• Mold spores are a trigger.
• Pollen is a huge trigger for many people- you must be familiar with allergy season.
• Exposure to strong perfumes or smoke and fumes of any kind can set off an immediate reaction.
• Some people are allergic to pet fur and dander, which is why pet lovers prefer to get hypoallergenic breeds.
• It may also be due to certain foods- like very greasy snacks etc.

The risk factors are obviously what you get exposed to and if you have the genes for the condition, as it seems to run in families. Plus, there are different kinds of asthma- it may be intermittent or persistent. It can also be due to exercise, having COPD as an underlying condition, or inhaling fine particulate matter and secondhand smoke. Asthma onset typically happens in childhood for most people and children normally seem to get better over the years. But, when there is adult onset, it can be a lifelong threat. 

Innovative Treatments And Therapies For Severe Asthma Management

Management of symptoms is the main priority when it comes to asthma treatment approaches. So, your doctor will take a detailed note of your symptoms, how severe they are and how much your quality of life gets affected when you have one of these bouts. Having an asthma action plan makes a lot of sense and sharing it with friends and family is even better as you can get the help you need at the right time and in the right place. You also learn to ascertain how severe your symptoms can be, so that you can see if you can manage it at home or will require emergency care.

• The easiest way is to use an inhaler which contains a bronchodilator as an active compound. This will help your air passages relax.
• You may also go in for nebulisation or use a metered inhaler which delivers the right dosage for your needs.
• You may also be prescribed antihistamines which reduce inflammation and prevent mucus from building up.
• Biologics have been used in recent years, with very promising results.

The Importance Of Personalized Asthma Action Plans For Severe Cases

Management of symptoms is the main priority when it comes to asthma treatment approaches. So, your doctor will take a detailed note of your symptoms, how severe they are and how much your quality of life gets affected when you have one of these bouts. Having an asthma action plan makes a lot of sense and sharing it with friends and family is even better as you can get the help you need at the right time and in the right place. You also learn to ascertain how severe your symptoms can be, so that you can see if you can manage it at home or will require emergency care.

Conclusion

Asthma is normally caused due to specific triggers. Even the way you sleep matters, as you may have noticed that symptoms seem to peak at night. Since there is no cure for the condition, learning how to manage it becomes important. You may be prescribed bronchodilators or antihistamines to reduce inflammation and mucus production – both of which will help you breathe easier. We think it makes sense to come up with an asthma action plan as it lets you act without thinking too much, when you are in the throes of a full blown attack.