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For those who suffer from asthma, the sensation of an attack is unmistakable. The feeling of breathlessness, caused by inflammation in the lungs and airways, is often described as being as though a pillow is suffocating the chest or an elephant is sitting on it. While some aspects of asthma, like diagnosis and treatment, are well understood, other factors—such as its causes and potential cures—remain a mystery. From workplace triggers to the connection with allergies, here are some important facts about asthma symptoms and treatments you should be aware of.
1. Asthma attacks are often triggered by allergies.
The physical reaction that occurs during a sneezing episode in pollen season resembles what happens in an asthma attack. However, while sneezing causes discomfort, asthma attacks can lead to life-threatening symptoms. When individuals with allergies are exposed to allergens like pollen, their immune system produces antibodies that attach to the allergen. This triggers the release of chemicals responsible for allergic reactions. For most people, the symptoms are limited to the head, such as a runny nose or watery eyes, but for asthma sufferers, the reaction affects the lungs. Inflammation in the lungs causes the airways to swell and fill with mucus, obstructing airflow and leading to common asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, these attacks can be fatal if the patient is unable to get enough air into their lungs.
2. Asthma is the most common chronic condition in children.
Asthma affects 25 million people in the U.S., with around 7 million of them being children. Most individuals with asthma develop it during their childhood years. It is the leading chronic disease in children, and every year, children miss 13.8 million school days due to asthma.
3. Asthma can be passed down through generations.
While the exact cause of asthma is still unclear, it is known that it often runs in families. A study conducted in 2010 revealed that individuals with one asthmatic parent are nearly twice as likely to develop the condition, while those with both a parent and a grandparent affected by asthma are four times more likely to inherit it. As asthma is linked to allergies, a genetic predisposition to allergies, referred to as atopy, could explain some cases of inherited asthma.
4. Asthma can be diagnosed with ease.
One of the easiest ways to diagnose asthma is with a lung function test. If a patient reports symptoms like coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, their doctor may measure the strength of their exhalations both before and after using an inhaler. If the patient's breathing improves with the medication, it’s likely they have asthma. A chest X-ray can also assist in confirming the asthma diagnosis.
5. Children who grow up in environments with germs are less likely to develop asthma.
A person's early environment may influence whether or not they develop asthma. Children raised in rural areas, surrounded by animals, or in larger families tend to have a lower likelihood of asthma compared to those who weren't. One theory, known as the hygiene hypothesis, suggests that kids exposed to germs and pathogens while their immune systems were developing may be better able to handle allergens. On the other hand, children who were kept away from germs might be more prone to having an exaggerated immune response, which could trigger asthma. However, the hygiene hypothesis remains unproven, and it’s not a valid reason to intentionally expose children to infections in hopes of protecting them from asthma in the future.
6. Asthma triggers can be found everywhere.
To manage their condition, doctors advise asthma patients to avoid their specific triggers whenever possible. Common triggers include irritants and allergens like dust, tobacco smoke, car exhaust, mold, pet dander, and smoke from burning wood. Non-environmental triggers, such as colds, sinus infections, acid reflux, and hyperventilation due to stress, can be even harder to avoid.
7. There's one asthma trigger that patients should not avoid.
Physical activity can cause rapid breathing, which may trigger asthma attacks in some individuals with the condition. There’s even a specific form of asthma known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, which refers to those who experience attacks during physical exertion. However, the risks associated with leading a sedentary lifestyle are greater than the risks of exercising carefully, even for those with asthma. Instead of avoiding exercise altogether, doctors collaborate with patients to create a safe exercise plan. This plan may include warming up, using an inhaler before exercise, engaging in cool-down activities afterward, and wearing scarves or masks to limit exposure to irritants that can trigger asthma symptoms.
8. There are two categories of asthma treatments.
Asthma can be managed with two types of medications: long-term controllers and quick-relievers. Immediate-relief medications, such as short-acting beta agonists and anticholinergics, relax the muscles in the airways during flare-ups and are typically inhaled directly into the lungs. Long-term medications are designed to help manage asthma over time and are often taken daily, even when symptoms are not present. These include inhaled long-acting beta agonists, corticosteroids, biologic injections, and theophylline and leukotriene modifier pills and liquids. These treatments work by relaxing muscles, reducing swelling, or preventing inflammation in the airways.
9. Asthma can pose a risk in certain professions.
Occupational asthma occurs when a person’s asthma triggers are linked to their workplace environment. The National Institutes of Health identifies wood dust, grain dust, animal dander, fungi, and various chemicals as some of the most common workplace asthma triggers. Professions such as baking, farming, laboratory work, milling, and woodworking put individuals who are predisposed to asthma at a higher risk of developing the condition.
10. Although there’s no cure for asthma, symptoms can improve with time.
Asthma is a treatable but chronic condition, and while there is no cure, some individuals appear to outgrow it after experiencing symptoms in childhood. For some, asthma symptoms can become less intense and even go into remission as they age. However, once diagnosed with asthma, the risk of an asthma attack remains, and changes in hormone levels could potentially trigger symptoms even in those who haven't had an attack for years.
