Asthma

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes airway obstruction and difficulty breathing in response to triggers such as exercise, allergens, cold air, and smoke. During asthma attacks, the smooth muscles around the airway constrict, and mucus production increases, leading to further obstruction. This disease, affecting both children and adults, often causes coughing and shortness of breath.

People who live in cities with poor air quality, smokers or those frequently exposed to cigarette smoke, individuals with allergies, and those with a family history of asthma are more susceptible to the disease.

Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma is known for its exacerbation periods, revealing symptoms only during these times. Exacerbations often begin when patients are exposed to triggers. The symptoms of an asthma exacerbation include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Coughing
• Wheezing or whistling sounds while breathing

There are early warning signs before asthma attacks that can help manage them more easily. These signs include:

• Frequent coughing at night
• Sleep disturbances
• Feeling out of breath while talking
• Headaches
• Wheezing after exercise
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Reduced lung function in respiratory tests
• Quick fatigue during daily activities
• Lack of energy for daily tasks

Failure to recognize the early signs of an asthma attack can lead to severe episodes, significantly impacting patients, with symptoms including:

• A state of panic
• Anxiety disorders
• Pale appearance of the skin
• Sweating
• Bluish discoloration of the lips and nails
• Speech difficulties
• Rapid breathing
• Tense neck and chest muscles
• Non-stop coughing
• Severe wheezing while breathing in and out

Causes of Asthma

The exact cause of asthma is unknown. However, research suggests it may develop due to a combination of general health problems, family history, infections, and environmental factors. Common triggers among asthma patients include:

• Preservatives and sulfites in processed foods and drinks,
• Medications
• Certain viral illnesses
• Obesity
• GERD
• Stress
• Mood disorders
• Chemical smells and fumes
• Extreme hot or cold weather conditions
• Smoke
• Exercise
• Dust mites
• Air pollution
• Pets
• Pollen
• Living in moldy or damp environments
• Being born prematurely
• Maternal smoking during pregnancy

Types of Asthma

Asthma is a disease that is categorized into various types depending on the factors causing it.

Allergic Asthma

Also known as atopic asthma, allergic asthma typically flares up in response to allergens like dust mites or pollen. Approximately 90% of patients with allergic asthma also have conditions such as eczema, food allergies, or hay fever. People with allergic asthma should avoid allergens as much as possible and adhere to a treatment regimen that includes daily use of prescribed inhalers and relief inhalers for symptoms as needed.

Symptoms of Allergic Asthma

Symptoms of allergic asthma occur as the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed in response to allergens and include:

• Swelling of the nose
• Redness of the nose
• Watery eyes
• Itching of the throat
• Frequent sneezing

Exercise-Induced Asthma

Patients with exercise-induced asthma do not typically have an asthma diagnosis, but they exhibit asthma-like symptoms during physical activity, leading to a diagnosis. Symptoms occur as the airways narrow without mucus production during exercise, affecting especially professional athletes and those who exercise in cold conditions.

Symptoms of Exercise-Induced Asthma

Symptoms of exercise-induced asthma include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing cough

Occupational Asthma

The cause of occupational asthma is directly related to the patient's work environment. Symptoms improve when individuals are not at their workplace, and the condition typically develops during adulthood. Occupational asthma, a subtype of allergic asthma, differs because patients are continuously exposed to the trigger, leading to progressively worsening conditions. Occupations most affected include nurses, miners, farmers, hairdressers, animal caregivers, and those involved in woodworking and painting.

Symptoms of Occupational Asthma

Occupational asthma attacks primarily occur at the workplace and the symptoms include:

• Symptoms appear only at the workplace.
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Cough

Bronchial Asthma

In bronchial asthma, constricted airways eventually irritate the bronchi, making them sensitive. As a result, the bronchi begin to react excessively to external triggers.

Symptoms of Bronchial Asthma

Symptoms of bronchial asthma can include:

• Attacks can occur suddenly
• Patients may feel attacks throughout the day and they may be mild.

Seasonal Asthma

Seasonal asthma flares up at certain times of the year. Even when not exposed to triggers, asthma attacks can still occur. It is often triggered by colds or flu during the colder months, as well as by air pollution, pollen, storms, or changes in weather.

Symptoms of Seasonal Asthma

Symptoms of seasonal asthma can vary from patient to patient. The most common symptoms of seasonal asthma include:

• Chest tightness or pain
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing

Non-Allergic Asthma

Also known as non-atopic asthma, non-allergic asthma flares up without allergen triggers, making its cause not fully understood. It can appear later in life and may be more severe than allergic asthma. Non-allergic asthma is less common than allergic asthma.

Factors that can trigger non-allergic asthma include:

• Perfumes
• Household cleaning products
• Room sprays
• Viral illnesses
• Air pollution
• Cold weather
• Smoking
• Burning wood

Symptoms of Non-Allergic Asthma

Symptoms of non-allergic asthma are similar to those of allergic asthma, but in patients with non-allergic asthma, these symptoms occur without detectable allergens. Symptoms include:

• Nasal swelling
• Redness of the nose
• Watery eyes
• Itchy throat
• Frequent sneezing

Severe Asthma

Severe asthma, affecting about 4% of asthma patients, is a type where symptoms persist despite treatment. Treatment for severe asthma often involves long-term use of steroid tablets and other medication groups.

Symptoms of Severe Asthma

Symptoms in patients with severe asthma include:

• Experiencing more than two asthma attacks in a year
• Symptoms persist despite high doses of inhaled steroids, long-acting bronchodilators, or preventative tablets
• Using relief inhalers more than three times a week

Jobs Not Suitable for Asthma Patients

Asthma patients should work in environments free of dust, odor, and smoke. The choice of profession is extremely important since they spend a large part of the day at work. Jobs not suitable for asthma patients include:

Healthcare Professionals

Doctors and nurses are not recommended for asthma patients due to the continuous use of latex gloves and the stressful nature of the job. Latex, found in many medical supplies including gloves, and stress are among the main triggers of asthma.

Beauty Salon Professionals

The sprays used in hair styling, nail adhesives, and other chemical products in beauty salons can trigger asthma attacks. Thus, it is not recommended for asthma patients to work in environments where they are constantly in contact with chemicals.

Agricultural Work

Due to the use of various agricultural chemicals, working in agriculture is one of the worst options for asthma patients. Additionally, grain dust, animal manure, mites from poultry, and fertilizers frequently trigger asthma attacks.

Miller or Baker

Food processing jobs involve exposure to large amounts of food dusts such as grain, which can lead to "baker's asthma," characterized by wheezing and shortness of breath. Symptoms typically decrease when not at work.

Automotive Work

Chemicals found in automotive paints can also trigger asthma attacks. Additionally, chemicals used in auto repair shops are hazardous for patients.

Carpentry or Woodwork

Working with wood involves exposure to significant amounts of dust, which can trigger asthma. It also causes irritation of the eyes, lungs, throat, and nose. Caution is needed when using all wood materials.

Asthma Starting in Adulthood

Although asthma often starts in childhood, some people are first diagnosed in adulthood. This form of asthma is known as late-onset or adult-onset asthma. Causes for asthma starting in adulthood include:

• Stress
• Obesity
• Smoking

Childhood Asthma

A significant number of patients diagnosed with asthma in childhood see a decrease in symptoms or complete remission as they age. This type of asthma is called childhood asthma. If asthma observed during childhood is severe or moderate, symptoms may reappear in adulthood.

Nocturnal Asthma

Nocturnal asthma, a type of asthma where symptoms emerge at night, affects at least 75% of patients. It is thought that natural body metabolism, specifically some hormones being at very low or high levels in the early morning hours, triggers nocturnal asthma.

Nocturnal asthma can reduce sleep quality, leading to problems like lack of concentration during the day. Treatment includes removing allergens from the bedroom and medicating physiological factors like post-nasal drip.

Asthma Triggered by Aspirin

It is possible to speak of asthma triggered by aspirin when patients show asthma symptoms after using aspirin or drugs containing its active ingredients. Treatment for aspirin-induced asthma involves the use of drugs that desensitize the patient to aspirin.

Symptoms of Aspirin-Induced Asthma

Symptoms of aspirin-induced asthma occur after using aspirin and include:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing

Asthma with Persistent Cough

Chronic cough lasting more than 8 weeks is seen in a third of patients with asthma. This type of asthma, which can occur during the day or night in both adults and children, is characterized by a dry cough without other typical symptoms of asthma. Treatment usually involves cortisone inhalers, which are effective.

Asthma Treatment

Asthma treatment is divided into three categories: breathing exercises, quick-relief medications, and long-term asthma control drugs. The treatment applied depends on the type of asthma, age, and triggers.

Quick Relief Treatments for Asthma

Quick-relief medications recommended by doctors should only be used in emergency situations.

Bronchodilators

This group of drugs relaxes the muscles around the airways, reducing mucus production and making it easier to breathe. They can be used as inhalers or nebulizers.

First Aid Treatment for Asthma

If someone around you has an asthma attack, you should first remind them to use their medication. Ensure they sit upright while taking their medication. Using 2 to 6 doses of the medication usually eases the symptoms. However, if symptoms persist for more than 20 minutes or do not improve after a second round of medication, seek emergency medical help.

Long-Term Medications for Asthma Control

Long-term medications used in asthma treatment must be taken daily. They reduce the severity of symptoms and extend the time between attacks but are not used to control symptoms during a sudden asthma attack.

Anti-inflammatory Drugs

This group of drugs reduces swelling and mucus production in the airways, making breathing easier. It includes corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory drug groups.

Additionally, anticholinergic drugs help relax the muscles around the airways. They are usually used in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Long-Acting Bronchodilators

Long-acting bronchodilators used in asthma treatment should only be used in conjunction with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Bronchial Thermoplasty

Bronchial thermoplasty, used to treat severe asthma, involves the use of electrodes to heat the bronchi. This heating helps reduce muscle spasms by causing the surrounding muscles to shrink.

Nutrition for Asthma Patients

There is no diet that can eliminate the complaints caused by asthma, but there are foods that can reduce the severity of attacks. Additionally, certain foods and dietary habits can trigger asthma attacks. Paying attention to these points can help better manage asthma treatment.

What Foods Should Asthma Patients Eat

Being overweight can make it difficult for asthma patients to breathe. Therefore, maintaining ideal weight should be the first focus in their dietary routines. Even losing a few pounds can help make breathing easier.

Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables

Eating a diet rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, and vitamins E and C helps prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals, which can also prevent swelling and irritation of the lungs.

Vitamin D Intake

People with severe asthma often also have low levels of vitamin D. Therefore, in addition to consuming foods rich in vitamin D like milk, eggs, and salmon, it is beneficial to take advantage of sunlight to reduce the severity of asthma attacks.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as salmon, tuna, or sardines are also beneficial for asthma patients to include in their diet because they help reduce inflammation in the body.

High-Fiber Foods

Consuming foods high in fiber is important for weight control and should be included in the diet.

Lean Protein

Another type of food that helps with weight control is sources of lean protein. These include both animal and plant sources, with plant sources often being recommended because they are easier to digest.

Foods That Trigger Asthma

In the diet, there are certain points to consider to ensure that asthma attacks are less severe and less frequent.

High-Calorie Foods

High-calorie foods can lead to weight gain in patients. Therefore, it is necessary to balance the amount of calories consumed with those expended. It is advisable to avoid food groups like processed foods that are rich in calories.

Food Allergies

If an allergy develops against any food, it should be identified and completely removed from the diet to prevent worsening symptoms.

GERD Treatment

80% of asthma patients also have GERD, which complicates the management of asthma symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to control GERD first. Patients should especially avoid eating right before bedtime.