Asthma: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Asthma is a non-communicable disease that affects people of all ages. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asthma affected an estimated 262 million individuals in 2019 and caused 461,000 deaths. As summer approaches in the UAE, the conditions for patients with asthma get worse. Sandstorms in the summer also make things worse.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition that affects your lungs. It causes inflammation in your airways which causes narrowing and makes it hard to breathe. It also causes repeated episodes of breathlessness, wheezing, night-time or early morning coughing, and chest tightness. Severe asthma can interfere with talking or being active. You can manage asthma through medication and by avoiding triggers in your environment.

Things You Should Know about Asthma

Asthma is characterized by the inflammation of the airways. Asthma can be a nuisance to some people while it can interfere with your life. Here are things you need to know about asthma so you can take control of your situation.

Types of Asthma

There are many ways to define asthma types and some have overlapping symptoms and treatments. Common types include:

1. Allergic Asthma
2. Allergic Bronchopulmonary Mycosis
3. Non-Allergic Asthma
4. Adult-Onset Asthma
5. Aspirin-Induced Asthma
6. Nocturnal Asthma
7. Cough-Variant Asthma
8. Eosinophilic Asthma
9. Exercise-Induced Asthma

Symptoms

If you have asthma, you experience symptoms because of the narrowing and inflammation of the airways. Symptoms vary in different individuals. Common symptoms include:

• Wheeze
• Cough
• Difficulty Breathing
• Chest Tightness

Asthma Diagnosis

Your doctor conducts various tests and exams to determine whether you have asthma, they include:

• Physical Exam
• Measuring Lung Function
• Other Tests (Allergy testing, imaging tests, methacholine challenge, nitric oxide test)

Treatment

The key to preventing and long-term control of asthma is to stop the attacks before they start. Treatment involves learning to recognize your triggers, avoiding triggers, and tracking your breathing to ensure that your medication is working. The right medication depends on your age, asthma triggers, symptoms, and what works for you. Preventive medication reduces the swelling in your airways to control the symptoms.

Asthma affects people of all ages and should not be overlooked. Various symptoms like wheezing, loss of breath, or prolonged coughing should prompt you to seek medical advice. You should identify your triggers so that you can avoid them and prevent asthma episodes.

If you need professional help for asthma, you can consult the best family medicine specialists Dubai health facilities for expert care.