Asthma

1. Background

1.1. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition where the airways are inflamed and narrowed, causing difficulty breathing. It is classified as an obstructive lung disease as it makes it more difficult to expel air. This condition affects more than 25 million people in the U.S., with more than 5 million children being affected.

2. Causes

2.1. Asthma is caused by smooth muscles in the bronchioles constricting, which makes your airways narrow. In addition, inflammation and mucus production pathways in the lungs are very oversensitive, leading to even more trouble getting air out of your lungs. Environmental factors like allergens, air pollution, occupational chemicals, and even weather can all trigger asthma. Genetic factors, like a family history with many having a genetic predisposition for asthma, can also increase your chances of having it. In addition, other respiratory infections early on in childhood like RSV can increase the likelihood of developing asthma.

3. Symptoms

3.1. Shortness of breath.

3.2. Wheezing.

3.3. Coughing.

3.4. Chest tightness.

4. Current Treatment

4.1. Short-acting beta agonists (SABA) are used in the form of inhalers to relax smooth muscles in the bronchioles for 4 to 6 hours. Long-acting beta agonists (LABA) last for 12 or more hours and can be used during sleep.

4.2. Inhaled corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation in the airways and are always used in conjunction with LABAs.

4.3. Trigger mitigation strategies like allergy shots are used as immunotherapy to help treat allergic asthma by making the body less sensitive to allergens.

5. References

5.1. 1. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, January 19). Asthma. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6424-asthma ‌2. Bass, MD, P. (2021, September 5). How Albuterol and SABAs Treat Acute Asthma Symptoms. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/albuterol-sabas-and-asthma-201168 ‌3. Mayo Clinic. (2024, April 6). Asthma. Mayo Clinic; Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653 ‌

6. Diagnostic Tests

6.1. Spirometry: a common test used to measure lung function by measuring airflow in and out.

6.2. Peak flow meter: a device that measures the speed of exhalation, indicating the severity of asthma.

6.3. Exhaled nitric oxide test: A test that measures the level of nitric oxide, a chemical that is elevated in asthmatic patients.

6.4. Allergy testing to confirm specifc triggers.

7. Long-term Effects

7.1. Reduced lung function due to persistent airways narrowing.

7.2. More frequent asthma attack flareups.

7.3. Chronic inflammation can lead to permament changes in the airway structure.

7.4. Reduced ability to exercise and work.