Asthma is a chronic (long-term) condition that affects the airways in the lungs. Also, it can produce an excessive amount of mucus. This makes it difficult to breathe and causes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Therefore, recurrent and variable symptoms, reversible airflow limitation, and bronchospasms are its defining characteristics. Even while asthma is not curable, its symptoms are manageable over time. Hence, a consultation with a chest doctor becomes necessary.

While not all asthmatic patients suffer greatly. However, for many, it can be a severe cause of concern. Also, it disrupts everyday activities. Additionally, it may result in a life-threatening asthma attack. Hence untreated asthma might result in hospitalization during severe attacks. 

The main way to manage asthma onslaughts is to avoid triggers. Also, there are various triggers for an asthma attack to occur. Additionally, these may include pollen, dust mites, mould spores, pet dander, cockroach feces, air irritants, and smoke. Other triggers are respiratory problems, GERD, physical exercise, and cold air. Also, certain medications like aspirin, beta-blockers, and NSAIDs may trigger attacks. Some foods also cause asthma attacks – shrimp, dried fruit, beer, wine, and processed potatoes. Additionally, symptoms differ from person to person. So, identification is very important in order to avoid them.

Why consult a chest doctor for Asthma?

Symptoms of Asthma according to chest doctor

• Breathing difficulty.
• Tightness or discomfort in the chest.
• Sleeping difficulties due to shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing.
• Coughing or wheezing episodes increase by a respiratory illness, such as the common
• Cold or the flu.
• Wheezing when exhaling is a frequent symptom of asthma in youngsters.
• Sputum production from the lung while coughing but is often hard to bring up

Indicators of worsening asthma identified by chest doctor

• It becomes increasingly difficult to breathe, measured using a peak flow meter

• More frequent use of a quick-relief inhaler

Situational asthma

Some people’s asthma symptoms worsen in the following situations:

• Exercise-induced asthma, which may be exacerbated by cold and dry air. 
• Occupational asthma is caused by irritants on the job such as chemical fumes, gases, or dust.
• Allergy-induced asthma is caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, mould spores, cockroach feces, or skin and dried saliva shed by dogs.

Causes of asthma

• Allergens such as dust mites, animal dander, pollen, moulds, cigarette smoke, chemical pollution, and cold air.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Vitamin C and E deficiency, as well as a lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet.
• Sulphite and preservative-containing foods may also cause symptoms.
• Extreme emotional reactions and physical activity.
• Aspirin, beta-blockers, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Sinusitis

Risk factors of asthma 

• Motherhood at an early age

• Maternal malnutrition

• Inadequate breastfeeding
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight 
• Smoking
• Obesity

Prevention of asthma

While asthma is incurable, symptoms and attacks can be controlled with frequent monitoring and medication by a good “chest doctor”. Some ways to control asthma are:

• Identify and avoid triggers. These include activity, particular meals, or pollen.
• Take medicine according to instructions.
• Learn how to use inhalers correctly and how to clean them.
• Carry inhalers and medications to work. Also, when travelling for instant relief.
• Regularly check your breathing. You should consult a doctor if you suspect breathing difficulties, wheezing, or coughing.