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What is Bronchial Asthma: Know the Causes and Treatment

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What is Bronchial Asthma, and Its Symptoms?

Bronchial asthma is a chronic lung condition that makes breathing difficult. It is marked by cough, with or without the production of sputum, shortness of breath, whee- zing, chest pain, and tightness. These symptoms can disrupt your sleep. It can also cause abnormal breathing patterns.

What Causes Bronchial Asthma?

Bronchial asthma is primarily caused by inflammation or swelling of the airways. As a result of the inflammation, the airways become more sensitive. It makes them more reactive to triggers. While the exact cause of this inflammation is unknown, genetic and environmental factors may contribute. Common triggers of asthma include:

Allergens: Pet hair or dander, dust mites, pollen, mold, and certain foods.
Environmental Factors: Changes in weather, pollution, or exposure to tobacco smoke.
Medications: Aspirin and other NSAIDs may also trigger asthma symptoms.
Physical Activity: Sometimes physical activity can act as a trigger for asthma It is commonly referred to as exercise-induced asthma (EIA).
Respiratory Infections: Viruses, such as the common cold, can also worsen existing asthma.
Stress: Stress may also exacerbate asthma symptoms

Besides these triggers, there are certain individuals who are at a higher risk of asthma at early or later stages of life. Those with allergy-related conditions such as eczema, food allergy, and hay fever are more likely to have this condition. A family history of asthma can also make you prone to developing asthma. Premature babies or low birth weight babies may also develop this condition.

How to Prevent Bronchial Asthma?

The best way to prevent asthma is to avoid its triggers. Here are some preventive measures to follow to reduce the risk of asthma:

Quit Smoking: Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke reduces the risk of developing asthma and alleviates symptoms in individuals with existing asthma.
Protective Measures: Wear masks during activities that expose you to dust, chemicals, or allergens. It provides a physical barrier against inhaling dust particles that can trigger asthma symptoms.
Air Filtration: Use purifiers to maintain indoor air quality. These can help clear allergens, pollutants, and irritants from indoors.
Good Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to reduce indoor air pollutants. It promotes the circulation of fresh air, minimising the indoor pollutants.
Avoiding Fragrances: Avoid perfume sprays, hair sprays and chemical fumes. These act as irritants and trigger asthma symptoms.
Early Treatment: Recognise and address asthma symptoms early for effective management. Proactive medical guidance can prevent the progression of symptoms and severity of asthma attacks.

What Are the Medications for Bronchial Asthma?

If your asthma is severe, your doctor may prescribe control or rescue medicines to help. Control medicines help prevent attacks, while rescue medicines provide quick relief and are used during attacks. These medications reduce inflammation, relax the airways, and make breathing easier. It can be used either alone or in combination to manage asthma.

Control Medicines for Asthma

Inhaled Steroids: Beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone, and mometasone. These medi- cines reduce inflammation in the airways, preventing and controlling asthma symptoms to improve respiratory function.
Long-acting Beta-agonists (LABAs): Salmeterol, formoterol, and vilanterol. These medi- cations work by relaxing and dilating the airways, relieving bronchoconstriction and improving breathing.
Rescue Medicines for asthma attacks
Short-acting Inhaled Bronchodilators: Albuterol, and levalbuterol.These medications work by relaxing the muscles of the airways, leading to improved airflow and reduced symptoms.
Oral Corticosteroids for Severe Attacks: Prednisone, Prednisolone, and methylprednisolone. These medications exert anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce airway inflammation and improve breathing. They are typically prescribed for short durations during asthma attacks to bring quick relief.

Do not forget to refill your asthma medications through online pharmacy apps before they run out to ensure timely and immediate access to treatment. Order medicines online and avail expert guidance from doctors on medications for bronchial asthma or asthma management. You can also download healthcare app to get useful tips for managing asthma and related conditions.

How Can You Manage Bronchial Asthma at Home?

While bronchial asthma can not be treated, it can be managed with medications. There are a few home remedies that might complement asthma management.

Garlic: It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Allicin is a compound found in garlic that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Having garlic in routine may help reduce inflammation in the airways, potentially easing asthma symptoms. You can have raw garlic, its tea, include it in food or have it as a supplement.
Ginger: It acts as a natural bronchodilator, helping open the airways. Consume ginger extract or ginger to improve respiratory symptoms of asthma.
Honey: It naturally soothes irritated airways. Honey can be mixed with warm water or tea to get a soothing effect on the respiratory system.
Omega-3 fatty acids: It is naturally found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids foods may help reduce inflammation in the airways, potentially easing asthma symptoms.
Caffeine: It provides a mild bronchodilation effect. You can incorporate coffee into your diet to ease the airways.
Breathing exercises: Breathing exercises, such as pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, can improve breathing in asthma. These exercises teach controlled and deep breathing, reducing the likelihood of shortness of breath and whistling sounds while breathing.
Yoga: Specific yoga postures such as tadasana, Uttanasana, and Bhujangasana can help improve lung functioning and capacity. Attacks of asthma can be reduced by doing it.

Takeaway

Bronchial asthma can significantly impact your ability to breathe comfortably. Its symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness, can hamper your daily activities, especially when left unmanaged. Identifying these signs early and seeking medical attention is essential for effective asthma management. Bronchial asthma can be managed with medicines, preventive measures, and complementary home remedies. Avoiding triggers, quitting smoking, and using protective measures like masks can help asthma prevention. If your doctor has prescribed asthma medications, take those on time to manage asthma. If you have prescribed inhalers, always keep them to promptly rescue asthma attacks.