Asthma - Basics

Understanding Asthma: Causes, Types, Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the narrowing of airways, leading to breathing difficulties, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Although there is no cure for asthma, it is a highly manageable condition with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. In this article, we will discuss the different types and causes of asthma, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Types of Asthma:
There are different types of asthma, which can be broadly classified as follows:

• Allergic Asthma
• Non-allergic Asthma
• Occupational Asthma
• Exercise-induced Asthma

Causes of Asthma:

• The exact cause of asthma is still unknown, but certain factors can trigger asthma attacks. Some common causes include:
• Allergies (pollen, dust, pet dander, etc.)
• Respiratory infections (cold, flu, pneumonia, etc.)
• Air pollution and irritants (smoke, fumes, chemicals, etc.)
• Exercise and physical activity
• Weather changes (cold air, humidity, etc.)
• Stress and anxiety

Diagnosis of Asthma:
If you experience persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, you should consult a doctor. They will conduct a physical examination, review your medical history, and perform some tests to diagnose asthma. Some common tests include:

• Spirometry test
• Peak expiratory flow (PEF) test
• Allergy tests
• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray or CT scan

Prevention of Asthma:

Preventing asthma attacks is crucial in managing the condition. Here are some prevention tips:

• Identify and avoid asthma triggers
• Use air purifiers and filters at home
• Maintain good indoor air quality
• Get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight
• Take prescribed medications as directed
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Treatment of Asthma:
• Treatment for asthma involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and regular health checkups. Some common medications include:
• Inhalers (bronchodilators and corticosteroids)
• Leukotriene modifiers
• Allergy medications
• Biologic therapies
• Oral medications (such as theophylline)

To stay on top of your health, it's essential to get regular checkups. Indus Health Plus offers a comprehensive Full Body Checkup Package, Optima that includes a range of tests to assess your overall health and detect early signs of diseases such as asthma. Don't wait until it's too late, book your health checkup today and take control of your health!