Asthma: it can not be cured, but it can be treated

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness and variable, and generally reversible, airflow obstruction. It causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.

Although there is currently no definitive cure for asthma, there are highly effective treatments to control symptoms, reduce the frequency of attacks, and improve patients' quality of life.

Types of asthma

There are different types of asthma depending on their causes and characteristics:

• Allergic asthma: triggered by exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. It is the most common type and usually begins in childhood.
• Seasonal asthma: occurs at certain times of the year, generally related to spring allergies.
• Exercise-induced asthma: triggered during or after physical activity.
• Occupational asthma: related to exposure to irritants in the workplace.
• Severe or persistent asthma: when symptoms are frequent and require more intensive treatment.

Each patient may present a different type of asthma, so treatment must be personalized and supervised by a specialist.

Who does asthma affect?

It is estimated that some 330 million people worldwide suffer from bronchial asthma, making it one of the most common diseases, affecting both children and adults. In most cases, the disease manifests in childhood.

In recent years, factors such as air pollution, exposure to tobacco smoke, and the prevalence of childhood obesity have increased cases of asthma in children, leading to its recognition as a public health issue.

Asthma symptoms

Symptoms can vary from person to person and present with varying degrees of intensity. The most common are:

• Shortness of breath: feeling of breathlessness or difficulty breathing.
• Persistent cough, especially at night or during exercise.
• Wheezing: whistling or whistling sounds when breathing.
• Chest tightness or a feeling of suffocation.
• Fatigue and tiredness after minimal exertion.

It is important to note that these symptoms can be confused with those of other respiratory illnesses, so a medical diagnosis is essential.

Asthma diagnosis

To confirm the diagnosis, tests such as the following are performed:

• Spirometry: measures lung capacity and airflow.
• Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO): assesses the degree of airway inflammation.
• Allergy testing: to identify specific triggers.

Early diagnosis and regular follow-up are key to controlling the disease and preventing complications.

Effective treatments

Although there is no cure for asthma, several treatments can be carried out to alleviate its effects and control its symptoms.

Most treatments consist of inhaled medications:

• The most well-known immediate or quick-relief treatment is the use of bronchodilators, medications that open the airways.
• The basic treatment for most types of asthma is the administration of medications to reduce inflammation of the bronchial lining. Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective.
• Other treatments include immunomodulators such as antihistamines or preventative vaccines for allergic asthma, or biologic therapies for more severe cases of asthma.

It is always recommended to follow preventive guidelines to avoid asthma episodes, such as quitting smoking or avoiding tobacco smoke, not exposing oneself to agents such as dust mites or pollen that can trigger an attack, taking prescribed medication at the indicated time, among others.

This disease usually evolves throughout life, so it is important to have regular medical follow-up to adjust the treatment.

• OXIGEN salud offers aerosol therapy treatment for people with asthma.