Asthma is a medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing breathing difficulties and a significant impact on quality of life.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, leading to episodes of coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty in breathing. This condition can affect people of any age, but often begins in childhood.
What causes asthma?
The exact causes of asthma are not fully understood, but the disease results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Triggers can include allergens (such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander), respiratory infections, exercise, cold, and irritants such as cigarette smoke and air pollution.
How is asthma diagnosed?
Asthma is diagnosed on the basis of the patient's clinical history, a physical examination and lung function tests such as spirometry. These tests measure the volume of air the lungs can hold and the speed with which air can be expelled, helping to assess the degree of airway narrowing.
What treatments are available for asthma?
Asthma treatment aims to control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. It relies on the use of inhaled medications, such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and bronchodilators to open up the airways. Trigger management and a personalized action plan for emergency situations are also essential for effective asthma treatment.
Can asthma be cured?
While there is no definitive cure for asthma, many patients can effectively control their symptoms and lead active, healthy lives with the right treatment plan and proactive management of their condition.
How can asthma attacks be prevented?
Preventing asthma attacks involves identifying and avoiding triggers, following a personalized treatment plan and taking prescribed medication regularly. It's also advisable to maintain a healthy indoor environment, take regular exercise and monitor symptoms so you can intervene quickly if necessary.
Can asthma worsen over time?
The evolution of asthma varies from person to person. Some may find that their symptoms improve with age, while for others, the condition may become more severe or less well controlled. Regular medical follow-up is crucial to adjust treatment as the disease evolves.
What's the difference between allergic and non-allergic asthma?
Allergic asthma, also known as extrinsic asthma, is triggered by environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold and animal dander. These allergens trigger an immune response that leads to airway inflammation and asthma symptoms. Conversely, non-allergic asthma, or intrinsic asthma, is not directly linked to allergies and can be triggered by factors such as stress, exercise, cold air or respiratory infections. Although the symptoms of both types of asthma are similar, their management can differ depending on the specific triggers.
How does climate change affect asthma?
Climate change is having a significant impact on the prevalence and severity of asthma. Rising temperatures favor the proliferation of allergens, such as pollens, which can trigger asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. What's more, air pollution, exacerbated by global warming, can not only trigger asthma symptoms but also aggravate airway inflammation, making asthmatic individuals more susceptible to frequent and severe asthma attacks.
Can you play sports with asthma?
Yes, people with asthma can and should engage in regular physical activity, as this can improve lung function and general well-being. However, it's crucial to choose suitable activities and take certain precautions to prevent exercise-induced asthma attacks. Swimming is often recommended, as the warm, humid air of the pool is less likely to trigger symptoms. Before any physical activity, it's advisable to perform a proper warm-up and have your inhaled rescue medication at hand.
How is asthma managed in children?
Managing asthma in children starts with a precise diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. It's essential to educate the child and family about the disease, the correct use of inhalers, how to recognize symptoms and how to react in the event of an attack. Children with asthma should also be encouraged to lead as normal a life as possible, including the practice of exercises adapted to their condition. Regular communication with teachers and school staff is important to ensure proper care at school.
What's the link between asthma and sleep?
Asthma symptoms can often worsen at night, disrupting sleep and causing fatigue during the day. This nocturnal worsening can be due to various factors, such as exposure to allergens in the bedroom, a natural drop in cortisol (anti-inflammatory hormone) during the night, and lying down, which can increase gastro-oesophageal reflux and affect the airways. Effective asthma management and good sleep hygiene are essential to minimize the impact of asthma on sleep.