Asthma

Asthma

Asthma is an inflammatory condition in the airways that leads to narrow airways and produces typical symptoms such as repeated episodes of heavy breathing, tightness in the chest and coughing. Over 20% of children and 10% of the adult Norwegian population have asthma. The incidence is constantly increasing, and it is believed that this is linked to increasing air pollution and indoor climate conditions.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammation and irritation condition in the airways that leads to attacks with, among other things, breathing problems and accumulation of mucus in the airways. The trachea becomes hypersensitive and can, among other things, react to cold, allergenic substances (for example pollen), exertion, viruses, smoke, perfume, fur animals and airborne dust. The disease can be mild, moderate, severe or life-threatening. It is very important to treat asthma adequately as uncontrolled and/or poorly treated asthma can permanently damage the airways and make them chronically narrow. This can lead to the disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The risk of developing COPD is greatest for asthmatics who smoke.

Asthma can occur at any age, but is more frequent in children. In childhood, more boys than girls are affected. Half of all children with asthma outgrow it before reaching adolescence.

Causes of asthma

The causes of asthma are not fully understood, but several factors are known to be important. Heredity plays a role. Children with two parents who have asthma have approx. 60-80% risk of developing asthma yourself. People who have allergies or other allergic conditions (such as atopic eczema) are also more likely to develop asthma.

Non-hereditary factors also play a role, such as respiratory infections, poor indoor climate, air pollution and tobacco smoke. In addition, pollen, house dust mites, molds, fur animals, birds, heat, cold, physical activity, emotional reactions, NSAIDs (a group of drugs for pain, inflammation and fever) and a type of blood pressure medicine (beta blockers) can trigger asthma attacks.

Symptoms of asthma

• heavy and often wheezing breathing, and especially problems with exhaling

• tightness and wheezing in the chest

• increased mucus production in the respiratory tract and problems in getting all the mucus up (mucus accumulation)

• cough, especially at night and early in the morning

• fatigue / lethargy

The symptoms can vary from day to day and with age.

Prevention of asthma

• Do not smoke. Especially not during pregnancy

• Avoid exposing young children to secondhand smoke

• If you or your child is predisposed to asthma (for example due to allergies, atopic eczema and/or inheritance) you should avoid factors that can trigger the disease such as fur animals

Treatment of asthma

There are several types of asthma medicine and they come in different forms. Medicines that are breathed in (inhaled) are available as sprays, powders or liquids that are inhaled using a nebulizer. Asthma medicine is also available as a liquid and tablets, but medicines that are breathed in (inhaled) are the most important part of the treatment.

Seizure medication

Seizure medicine is taken when needed (when you are congested). The medicine causes the muscles in the airways to relax. The airways open and it becomes easier to breathe.

Preventive medicine

Medicines to prevent asthma attacks work by reducing inflammation in the airways, usually by containing cortisone. These medicines form the basic treatment for most people with asthma and are taken daily. Some people also use a medicine that opens the airways like seizure medicine does, but which has a longer duration of action. There are also preparations that combine these effects (combination medicines). For those who still do not get adequate control of their asthma, there are other attack prevention medicines that can be used in addition.

Inhalation medicines generally have few side effects, as they only work locally in the respiratory tract, i.e. very little is absorbed into the blood. Not using preventive medicine is worse for the body as asthma attacks strain the airways and can lead to worsening of asthma. However, when using inhalation medication containing cortisone, it is important to rinse the mouth and gargle the throat with water after each medication to avoid fungal infection and irritation in the mouth and throat. When using a mask to inhale the cortisone medication, the mouth and nose must also be wiped after inhalation.

Sources:

The Asthma and Allergy Association, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Patient handbook, Norwegian drug handbook for healthcare personnel, Norwegian electronic medical handbook