Decoding asthma attack: Types, triggers, impact on lungs, and treatments

Asthma significantly affects lung function and respiratory health. It causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, leading to difficulty in breathing (Image: Canva)

Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, is marked by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult. Managing triggers is essential because exposure to them can cause asthma attacks, which range from mild discomfort to life-threatening episodes. Proper management can reduce the frequency and severity of these attacks, improving overall health and daily functioning.

Asthma affects people of all ages and genders, causing breathing difficulties and impacting quality of life, says Dr Uday Kiran B, Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada. Triggered episodes, he adds, can make daily activities challenging, stressing upon careful management. “Various factors influence asthma's development and severity. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role; children with asthmatic parents are more likely to develop the condition. Environmental factors, such as exposure to allergens (like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander), air pollution, and respiratory infections during early childhood, can trigger asthma. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, obesity, and stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms,” he says.

Dr Kiran B explains the types and impacts of asthma on the lungs and when to seek medical attention.

Types of asthma:

There are different types of asthma, each with its symptoms and triggers. Allergic asthma is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Non-allergic asthma is induced by factors like cold air, exertion, and stress. Occupational asthma results from exposure to chemicals, dust, and fumes at work. Exercise-induced asthma develops during or after physical activity. Childhood asthma starts in childhood and is often associated with allergies.

Impacts of Asthma on the Lungs: 

Asthma significantly affects lung function and respiratory health. It causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, leading to difficulty in breathing. Here's how it manifests:

Inflammation: The airways swell and narrow due to inflammation, making breathing difficult.

Bronchoconstriction: The muscles around the airways tense up during an asthma attack, causing greater airflow restriction.

Mucus production: Asthma causes the airways to produce more mucus, which can impede airflow.

Airway remodelling: Chronic inflammation can lead to structural changes in the airways over time, causing permanent narrowing and decreased lung function.

Hyper-responsiveness: Airways become overly sensitive to triggers such as allergens, smoke, or cold air, leading to frequent asthma attacks.

Symptoms and when to see a doctor:

If you experience symptoms like frequent shortness of breath or wheezing, a persistent cough, difficulty breathing after physical activity, plus symptoms that disrupt daily activities, or frequent use of a quick-relief inhaler, particularly at night or early morning, it is important to seek medical help.

In the event of a severe asthma attack, immediately seek medical help if you have problems breathing, your lips or face turn blue, the quick-relief inhaler does not work, you cannot speak because you are breathing hard, or you feel pain or pressure in your chest.