Asthma
Understanding Asthma: Causes and Symptoms
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways in your lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The condition causes inflammation and narrowing of the air passages, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. These symptoms can vary from person to person and may be triggered by different factors including allergens, exercise, cold air, or stress.
The causes of asthma are not completely understood, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a significant role. If your parents have asthma, you are more likely to develop the condition. Environmental triggers such as dust mites, pet fur, pollen, mould, and air pollution can worsen asthma symptoms. Understanding your personal triggers is essential for managing your condition effectively and avoiding unnecessary attacks.
Symptoms often appear suddenly and can range from mild to severe. Some people experience symptoms only during exercise or when exposed to specific triggers, whilst others may have persistent symptoms throughout the day. It’s important to recognise the early warning signs of an asthma attack, including increased wheezing, persistent coughing, difficulty speaking, and panic or anxiety about breathing difficulties.
Types of Asthma Medications Available in Australia
Asthma medications are divided into two main categories: relievers and preventers. Relievers, also known as rescue inhalers or bronchodilators, provide quick relief during an asthma attack. The most common reliever medication in Australia is salbutamol (also called albuterol), which works by relaxing the muscles around the airways to allow easier breathing. Salbutamol is available under brand names such as Asmol and Ventolin, and it typically works within minutes of use.
Preventer medications are taken regularly to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms from occurring. These medications contain corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory agents. Common preventer inhalers available in Australia include fluticasone (Flovent), beclomethasone (Qvar), and budesonide (Pulmicort). Many Australians use combination inhalers that contain both a corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator, such as salmeterol and fluticasone (Seretide) or formoterol and budesonide (Symbicort).
Long-acting beta-agonists such as salmeterol and formoterol provide extended relief for up to twelve hours and are typically used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. Leukotriene receptor antagonists like montelukast (Singulair) are oral medications that help reduce inflammation and are particularly useful for exercise-induced asthma or allergic asthma. These medications work by blocking the action of leukotrienes, substances in the body that cause inflammation and airway constriction.
Using Your Asthma Inhaler Correctly
Using your inhaler correctly is crucial for effective asthma management. Many people do not use their inhalers properly, which reduces the effectiveness of the medication. Before using your inhaler, ensure that you understand whether you have a reliever or preventer medication, as they serve different purposes and require different usage schedules.
For metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), the correct technique involves shaking the inhaler well, exhaling completely, placing your lips around the mouthpiece, pressing the canister whilst breathing in slowly and deeply, and holding your breath for ten seconds. This allows the medication to travel deep into your lungs where it’s needed most. If you find it difficult to coordinate your breathing with pressing the canister, a spacer device can help. Spacers are tubes that attach to your inhaler and make it easier to deliver medication to your lungs, especially for children.
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) such as Ellipta and Turbuhaler require a slightly different technique. You must inhale quickly and deeply to draw the powder into your lungs. Always rinse your mouth with water after using a preventer inhaler to prevent thrush, a fungal infection that can develop in your mouth.
Creating an Asthma Action Plan
An asthma action plan is a written document created with your doctor that outlines how to manage your asthma on a daily basis and what to do during an asthma attack. This plan is personalised to your specific triggers, symptoms, and medications. Your action plan should include information about your regular preventer medications, when to use your reliever inhaler, warning signs of worsening asthma, and when to seek emergency help.
Your plan typically uses a traffic light system:
- Green means your asthma is well controlled and you should continue your regular medications
- Amber means you’re experiencing some symptoms and may need to adjust your treatment
- Red means you’re having an asthma attack and need emergency assistance
It’s important to review your action plan with your doctor at least once a year or when your symptoms change. Share your asthma action plan with family members, friends, and your workplace so they understand how to support you if needed. Keep a copy at home, at work, and in your bag. Having a clear plan reduces anxiety during asthma attacks and ensures that you and those around you know exactly what to do in an emergency.
Identifying and Managing Your Asthma Triggers
Identifying your personal asthma triggers is one of the most effective ways to prevent symptoms and attacks. Common triggers include allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet hair, as well as air pollutants and irritants. Many people find that their asthma worsens during pollen season or when they’re near animals, allowing them to predict and prepare for potential attacks.
Exercise-induced asthma is common and can be managed by warming up before exercise, using your reliever inhaler before physical activity, and cooling down afterwards. Weather changes, particularly cold air, can trigger asthma symptoms in many people. Viral infections such as colds and flu frequently trigger asthma attacks, so maintaining good hygiene and staying up to date with vaccinations is important.
Emotional stress and anxiety can also trigger or worsen asthma symptoms. Some people find that strong emotions, whether positive or negative, cause their airways to constrict. Identifying your triggers allows you to take preventative measures such as using an umbrella on high pollen days, maintaining a clean home environment, exercising in warmer conditions, or practising relaxation techniques.
When to Seek Medical Help and Emergency Care
Knowing when to seek medical help is essential for your safety and wellbeing. You should contact your doctor if you notice an increase in asthma symptoms, need to use your reliever inhaler more than twice a week, experience symptoms at night that wake you from sleep, or find that your symptoms are interfering with your daily activities or exercise. Regular check-ups with your doctor help ensure your asthma is well controlled and your medications are appropriate.
Seek emergency care immediately if you experience severe symptoms including difficulty speaking, confusion, bluish lips or fingernails, severe wheezing or shortness of breath that doesn’t improve with your reliever inhaler within fifteen minutes, or chest pain. During an asthma emergency, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. Keep your reliever inhaler accessible at all times, and ensure family members and colleagues know where it is located.
If you have frequent asthma attacks or find your current medications ineffective, ask your doctor about stepping up your treatment. This may involve changing medications or adjusting dosages to better control your symptoms. Regular monitoring and open communication with your healthcare provider help ensure you receive optimal asthma management and maintain the best possible quality of life.