Is asthma still seen as a minor condition?

Is asthma still seen as a minor condition?

May 20, 2014

 

Asthma affects more than 25 million people in the US – surpassing the number of people with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer put together. But asthma is not as serious as these conditions, right? Wrong. Asthma kills 3,300 Americans annually and is responsible for more than a quarter of all emergency room visits each year.

The majority of asthma-related hospital visits and deaths are preventable. But it is partly down to lack of awareness that such incidents occur. Many sufferers do not view their symptoms as serious enough to warrant treatment or control. People whose asthma is not under control can potentially be thrown into a life-threatening situation by the condition.

It seems the assumption that asthma is not a serious condition is widespread, and this view is something that asthma charities and organizations worldwide are trying to quash.

Last year, leading charity Asthma UK wrote to the Daily Mailcomplaining about an article from the newspaper that suggested too many people claim the UK’s Disability Living Allowance for asthma. According to Asthma UK, the article made a “dangerous assumption that asthma is not serious.”

“People with very severe asthma have told us of problems doing even simple things like walking, dressing, caring for children, doing the shopping or getting a full night’s sleep,” Asthma UK wrote to the newspaper. “Let us be in no doubt; asthma is serious.”

In an attempt to make people mindful of just how serious asthma is, May has been declared as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. In line with this campaign, we use this spotlight feature to explore the triggers of asthma, how symptoms can be kept under control and what is contributing to increasing asthma prevalence and death rates.

Asthma and its triggers

Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways – small tubes called bronchi – that carry air to and from the lungs. Its symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), more than 50% of asthma cases in the US are caused by allergies. This is a form of the condition that is triggered by inhaled allergens, such as dust, pollen, mold and pet dander.

People who have allergic asthma are hypersensitive to such allergens. Once they get into the airways, the immune system overreacts. Muscles around the airways become tightened and cells in the airways produce a thick mucus.

Non-allergic asthma is a form of the condition that is not triggered by an allergic reaction. Instead, it can be brought on by other factors, such as anxiety, stress, exercise, cold air, dry air, hyperventilation and viruses.

Sudden and severe onset of asthma symptoms is referred to as an “asthma attack” – an episode that affects 44,000 Americans every day. In 2007, 165 children and 3,262 adults died from an asthma attack.

During an asthma attack, the lining of the airways becomes inflamed – similar to an allergy attack – and cells in the airways produce a thicker mucus than usual.

Signs of an approaching asthma attack include fatigue, an itchy neck, dark bags under the eyes and being short-tempered, irritable or nervous. Slow breathing or blue/gray lips or fingernails are signs of a serious medical emergency, and anyone experiencing such symptoms should call 911 (999 in the UK) immediately.

Controlling asthma

Although there is no cure for asthma, there are a number of ways the condition can be controlled in order to prevent asthma attacks.

First of all, it is recommended that asthma sufferers avoid triggers that encourage symptoms. For example, if pollen exposure sets off a person’s asthma, they should avoid outdoor environments when pollen levels are high.

In case of asthma flare-ups or an asthma attack, quick-relief medicines – such as inhaled short-acting beta2-agonists – are recommended. These medicines are delivered by use of an inhaler and work by quickly opening up airways, allowing air to flow through.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), if symptoms of asthma occur more than twice a week, long-term control medicines – such as inhaled corticosteroids – may be recommended. Such medication reduces airway inflammation and helps prevent onset of asthma symptoms.

In order to keep full control of asthma, health professionals recommend that asthmatics should track their symptoms. The NHLBI state that a patient can work with their doctor to create an asthma action plan.

They note that asthma is well-controlled if:

• Symptoms occur no more than 2 days a week

• Symptoms do not wake the patient more than 1 or 2 nights a month

• The patient can carry out normal daily activities

• Quick-relief medicines are not required more than 2 days a week

• The patient has no more than one asthma attack a year that requires them to take corticosteroids by mouth

• Peak flow (the ability of air to move in and out of the lungs) does not fall below 80% of the patient’s personal best.

Dr. Suzanne Beavers, of the Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Center for Environmental Health, told Medical News Today:

“CDC recommends people with asthma bear in mind that they can control their asthma. Developing a personal asthma action plan, avoiding asthma triggers, taking asthma medications as prescribed and seeing a health care provider regularly can help anyone control his or her asthma.”