Understanding Asthma: Classification, Signs, and Treatments
Asthma is a long-term illness where the lung airways become inflamed, making breathing difficult. The airways, which carry air in and out of the lungs, become irritated and narrow. This results in symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest pressure, and difficulty breathing. Asthma can be triggered by allergies, infections, or physical activity.
Types of Asthma
Asthma can be classified according to how frequently symptoms occur and how much they interfere with daily life. Some types may share similar symptoms.
1. Mild Intermittent Asthma
Symptoms arise occasionally and are not usually disruptive. Quick-relief medication is often enough to manage flare-ups.
2. Moderate Persistent Asthma
Symptoms occur more often and can limit daily function. Long-term medications like corticosteroids may be needed.
3. Reactive Airway Disease (RAD)
A common condition in children, RAD is triggered by allergens or viral infections. Symptoms typically include mild wheezing, coughing, and breathing difficulty.
4. Allergic Rhinitis
Often associated with asthma, this condition causes nasal and sinus inflammation due to allergens, with symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes.
5. Eosinophilic Asthma
Caused by elevated eosinophils in the lungs, this type results in persistent coughing, breathing difficulty, and chest tightness.
Symptoms of Asthma
• Chronic or worsening cough
• Whistling sound when exhaling
• Shortness of breath, especially during activity
• Chest tightness
• Coughing up phlegm
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Mild asthma can be managed with inhalers. For more serious symptoms, rescue treatments such as albuterol may be used via inhaler or nebulizer.
If these treatments are ineffective, other medications or procedures might be needed. Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to reduce swelling but may not suit all patients, especially young children.
Leukotriene modifiers can help manage inflammation by targeting specific chemicals involved in asthma responses.
Eosinophilic Asthma Explained
This type involves too many eosinophils, which causes airway inflammation. Eosinophils are infection-fighting white blood cells, but in this case, they cause swelling in the lungs.
Symptoms Include:
• Persistent coughing
• Wheezing
• Tightness in chest or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Excess fatigue
Diagnosis Methods
1. Eosinophil Count – High levels may point to this asthma type.
2. Symptom Review – If allergies worsen asthma symptoms, doctors may suspect eosinophilic asthma.
3. Allergy Testing – Can help identify allergic sensitivities but not severity.
Managing Eosinophilic Asthma
Treatments aim to reduce allergic inflammation. Common options include antihistamines, steroids, and leukotriene modifiers. Allergy shots may help long-term.
For severe, persistent cases, additional oral treatments or mast cell stabilizers may be used to gain control over symptoms.