Asthma (Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease that affects the airways which carry air into the lungs. The condition causes the airways to become inflamed (swollen) making it hard to breathe. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
In New Zealand, approximately 15% of the adult population and 20% of children under the age of 15 are affected by asthma. It is the most common causes of admission to hospital for children.
In asthma the lining of the airways are sensitive to certain irritants that cause the muscle in the airway walls to constrict , become inflamed and produce excess mucus. It is therefore difficult for air to travel to and from the lungs, making breathing difficult and producing the cough, wheeze and shortness of breath that are characteristic of asthma.
Asthma, sometimes referred to as bronchial asthma, can start at any age but commonly begins in childhood. Many children grow out of asthma by their teens. Others first develop asthma in adulthood (adult-onset asthma). Asthma often runs in families and can be associated with allergic conditions such as eczema and hay fever.
New Zealand, along with countries like Australia and Great Britain, has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world. It disproportionately affects Maori and Pacific Island people, and those from lower socio-economic groups. Exposure to certain dusts or chemicals may predispose people in some lines of work to asthma.
Asthma attacks are characterised by difficulty breathing – especially exhaling. The severity of asthma symptoms varies between individuals. Some experience only mild symptoms while others have very severe symptoms. Attacks can happen suddenly and can occur after periods of being relatively symptom free. A severe asthma attack can be life threatening if treatment is not sought immediately.
Common signs and symptoms of asthma include:
- Coughing – which may worsen at night
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty speaking (in more severe attacks)
- Blueness around the mouth (in more severe attacks).
The exact cause of asthma is not fully understood. Possible factors that may lead to the development of asthma include:
- Diet
- Climate
- Immunisation rates
- Community healthcare standards
- Antibiotic use in early childhood
- Number and timing of childhood respiratory infections
- Genetic factors.
- Occupational exposure to certain dusts or chemicals.
It is known that most people with asthma constantly have some degree of inflammation in their airways. Their airways are also sensitive to certain irritants, known as triggers. Triggers can cause tightening or constriction of the already inflamed airways, thus provoking an asthma attack. Each individual tends to have different asthma triggers. Common asthma triggers include:
- Pollens
- Dust
- Animals
- Air pollution
- Food additives
- Strong perfumes
- Exercise
- Cigarette smoke
- Some medicines eg: aspirin
- Respiratory infections
- Changes in temperature and humidity
- Psychological influences eg: extremes of emotion
- Workplace irritants eg: paint and varnish fumes, flour, wood dust.
If asthma is suspected, the following may be undertaken by a doctor to assist with diagnosis:
- A full medical history including any family history of asthma
- Discussion of current symptoms
- Physical assessment
- A chest x-ray may be ordered
- Measurement of how quickly air can be exhaled using a peak flow meter
Asthma symptoms and signs vary through the day and through the week. Peak flow meter tests twice daily for a week or before and after using a reliever inhaler will show this variation. The peak flow rate may vary by more than 20% in asthma sufferers.
Sometimes more specialised Challenge Tests may be useful. These tests use a chemical to try to provoke a brief episode of asthma which can be measured. This can confirm a diagnosis and indicate severity.
Collection of phlegm or measurement of nitric oxide may be used to follow the progress of more complex asthma.
Specialist referral should be considered if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, when the response to initial treatment is not what was expected, or when an occupational cause of asthma is possible.
While asthma cannot be cured it can be controlled by avoiding triggers and through the use of medications. There are a variety of asthma medications available A doctor will be able to discuss which may be most appropriate for the patient.
The main types of medications used to control asthma are:
Preventers:
These are usually an inhaled corticosteroid medication which have the effect of reducing swelling and decreasing the body’s reaction to triggers . They are taken on a regular basis each day to prevent symptoms. Examples of preventers are Flixotide, Pulmicort and Beclozone.
Relievers:
These inhaled medications cause the airways’ muscle to relax thus reducing constriction and relieving the symptoms of asthma. They are often referred to as bronchodilators. It is advisable to use a reliever before contact with a known trigger eg: prior to exercise. Examples of relievers are Bricanyl and Ventolin.
Symptom controllers:
These are long-acting inhaled relievers and are always used in conjunction with a preventer. They keep the airways muscle relaxed and are taken twice a day. The use of a symptom controller should reduce the need to use a short acting reliever. Examples of symptom controllers are Foradil and Serevent.
Combination Inhalers:
Combination inhalers contain both preventer and symptom controller medicine in one device. Examples of combination inhalers are Seretide and Symbicort.
Because the medications mentioned above are inhaled, they are delivered straight to the lungs and can start their action immediately.
Increased frequency and/or severity of asthma symptoms may require a change in the treatment regime or an increase in the amount of medication taken. A course of corticosteroid tablets may be prescribed until symptoms are controlled.
Severe asthma attacks may require hospitalisation to control symptoms. Relieving medication may need to be given using a nebuliser (inhaled in a fine mist of oxygen via a specialised mask or mouthpiece) or intravenously (as an infusion into a drip in the hand or arm). Intravenous corticosteroids may also be given.
Asthma cannot be prevented but it can usually be kept under control. Learning to avoid triggers can help reduce symptoms and the frequency of asthma attacks. Be aware of symptoms and take appropriate medication to ease these. This may involve increasing asthma medication. Regular use of a peak flow meter and recording of those measurements can indicate how well controlled asthma is and indicate worsening of the condition.
Having a Self Management Plan is also an important tool in the management of asthma. This is a written guideline of what to do when asthma worsens. It is usually individually formulated in conjunction with a doctor or asthma nurse specialist.
Other control methods include breathing techniques such as the Buteyko Method. Staying physically fit and avoiding smoking can also minimise asthma symptoms and attacks. Desensitisation and allergen avoidance may also be useful, while alternative therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy and massage prove effective for some people in managing their asthma.
Be alert for signs of worsening asthma: night waking, breathlessness or difficulty speaking on exertion, loss of response to your reliever.
For more information on asthma please contact your doctor or local branch of Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand
PO Box 1459
Wellington
Ph: (04) 499 4592
Fax: (04) 499 4594
E-mail:arf@asthmanz.co.nz
Website:
www.asthmanz.co.nz
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation has details of local branches. These can also be found on the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation website and in your local telephone directory.
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Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand (2007) What is asthma? (Booklet) Wellington: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand.
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Last Reviewed – March 2009