The lungs play a crucial role in gas exchange, helping us to breathe. Located in the chest cavity, they lie on either side of the mediastinum, which is the central compartment that holds the heart as well as other structures. Although both lungs look similar, the left lung is slightly smaller and has two lobes, while the right one has three and is enveloped by a protective layer known as pleural tissue. They are also connected to the windpipe (trachea) by the bronchi, which are large muscular tubes that branch into smaller tubes known as bronchioles with tiny hollow cup-shaped air sacs called alveoli at the end of these tubes.
These structures, along with the nasal cavity and other breathing muscles, help keep us alive by allowing us to extract oxygen while expelling carbon dioxide. Respiratory conditions like asthma can wreak havoc on this process, resulting in breathing difficulties. This article will explore the intricacies of this respiratory disease, providing a closer look at the warning signs and other essential information.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the airways narrow and swell, making it difficult to breathe. This inflammatory condition can also block the airways due to excess mucus production, causing a range of symptoms from coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or chest pain. Asthma is a very common condition affecting many individuals worldwide and can appear at any stage in life. All around the world, about 5% of adults are diagnosed with this condition, and about 20% of children, making it important to consult a pulmonologist (respiratory specialist) to receive the appropriate treatment.
What is an asthma attack, and what are the early warning signs?
Asthma can vary in severity, and can affect the daily activities of people and even result in life-threatening asthma attacks and death. An asthma attack is the sudden worsening of asthma symptoms brought on by the sudden narrowing of the muscles of your airways. This rapid muscle contraction can make breathing challenging, and this is what triggers the attack. Mild attacks are usually more common and typically resolve within a short time, but severe attacks, although rare, can last longer, requiring medical attention. Being able to recognise the early signs and triggers will go a long way in preventing a severe episode.
Let’s walk through the most common triggers of asthma:
- Infections (e.g. colds and flu)
- Allergies (e.g. pollen and animals)
- Exercise (rare cases)
- Pests (e.g. cockroaches)
- Animal dander (cats, dogs and birds)
- Dust mites
- Tobacco smoke
- Air pollution
- Certain medications (e.g. ibuprofen and aspirin)
- Certain foods and fragrances
- Acid reflux
- Climate changes eg humidity
- Strong emotions (as a result of hyperventilation)
Here are some early warning signs that may indicate your condition is worsening:
- Persistent cough (especially at night)
- Runny, stuffy, or congested nose
- Sore throat
- Tightened check and neck muscles
- Very rapid breathing
- Difficulty talking
- Fatigue and weakness
- Chest tightness or pressure
- Coughing and wheezing after exercise
- Trouble sleeping
Listed below are some early and emergency signs that may indicate an impending severe asthma attack:
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing faster than normal
- Chest tightness or pain
- Low peak expiratory flow (PEF) readings
- Increased use of quick-relief inhalers
- Feelings of anxiety or panic
You need to seek medical attention right away if you experience the following warning signs:
- Rapid heartbeat and pulse
- Pale or blue lips and fingernails (cyanosis)
- Nostril flare when breathing
- Severe wheezing and chest pain
- Symptoms fail to resolve even with quick-relief inhalers
- Trouble with talking or walking due to shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
How is asthma diagnosed and treated?
At the clinic, your doctor will begin the consultation by taking a detailed medical and family history, which will be followed by a physical examination. This process is done to rule out any other possible respiratory conditions. Your doctor will also discuss your symptoms and any other health concerns. In addition, they may also inquire about your history of allergies. If asthma is suspected, a number of lung function tests, such as spirometry, peak flow test, and a chest X-ray, may be carried out to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor may also carry out some blood tests to assess your immune system, as asthma has the potential to increase the levels of white blood cells.
For more severe cases, a referral to a respiratory specialist may be necessary for further evaluation. Today, most asthma medications are inhaled, and preventers and long-term medication will be needed to prevent an asthma attack. Quick-relief inhalers, on the other hand, will play a key role in mitigating any exacerbations. Your treatment will also depend on the severity of your condition, and your medication may have to be adjusted as the severity changes over time. Although there is currently no cure for asthma, symptom management will allow you to live a normal and active life.
