Asthma Overview: Forms, Signs, and Available Treatments

Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the lungs’ airways, leading to inflammation and breathing problems. These airways become irritated, narrowing the passage and making breathing more difficult. Asthma symptoms can include wheezing, persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Common triggers include allergens, infections, or physical activity.

Classifying Asthma

Asthma types are primarily based on how often symptoms occur and their severity. Symptoms may overlap across different categories.

1. Mild Intermittent AsthmaSymptoms are infrequent and manageable. Quick-relief inhalers are usually sufficient during flare-ups.
2. Moderate Persistent AsthmaThis type presents more frequently and may affect regular activities. Long-term medications like corticosteroids may be required.
3. Reactive Airway Disease (RAD)Frequently seen in children, RAD is triggered by things like dust mites or viral infections. Symptoms are usually mild and include wheezing and chest tightness.
4. Allergic RhinitisThis type is related to nasal inflammation caused by allergens, leading to sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.
5. Eosinophilic AsthmaIn this form, the body produces excess eosinophils, which leads to inflammation and worsens breathing problems.

Recognizing Asthma Symptoms

• Chronic or worsening cough
• Wheezing on exhalation
• Difficulty breathing during exercise
• Chest discomfort
• Mucus-filled coughing

Treatment Approaches

Mild asthma may be handled with as-needed inhalers. For more serious conditions, medications like albuterol may be administered through a nebulizer or injection during emergencies.

When first-line treatments don’t help, further options—including surgery in rare cases—might be explored. Inhaled corticosteroids are often prescribed to reduce airway inflammation but are not ideal for children under four.

Leukotriene modifiers work by blocking certain inflammatory chemicals and help control breathing symptoms.

Understanding Eosinophilic Asthma

This asthma type is driven by increased eosinophil activity, which causes swelling in the airways. Eosinophils are white blood cells that typically fight infections but can cause complications when overproduced.

Key Symptoms:

• Wheezing and coughing
• Tightness in the chest
• Breathing difficulty
• Fatigue
• Mucus production

How It's Diagnosed

1. Blood Tests– Check eosinophil levels.
2. Symptom Review– Allergy-prone individuals with worsening asthma symptoms may have this type.
3. Skin Tests– Identify specific allergens but not the severity of reaction.

Treatment Plans for Eosinophilic Asthma

Managing this form involves controlling immune responses. Options include corticosteroids, antihistamines, and leukotriene modifiers. Allergy shots may also be considered to reduce sensitivity to triggers.

If standard therapies don’t work, further treatments like oral medications or mast cell stabilizers may be recommended to control symptoms effectively.