World Asthma Day is held on the first Tuesday of May each year, initiated by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) since 1998. This event aims to raise community awareness about asthma – one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases worldwide.
1. What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory tract, characterized by persistent inflammation and increased bronchial reactivity. Patients typically experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, a persistent cough, or a feeling of chest tightness that occurs in episodes.
These manifestations tend to recur, especially during seasonal weather changes or upon exposure to environmental triggers. During an episode, the airways constrict, the mucosal lining becomes inflamed and swollen, and mucus secretion increases, obstructing airflow.
Asthma currently cannot be completely cured, but it can be well controlled if detected early and treated consistently. Conversely, if left unaddressed or treated too late, the disease can progress to become severe, leading to respiratory failure and other dangerous complications, even posing a threat to life.
2. Triggers of Asthma Attacks
Asthma attacks can be triggered by many different factors, depending on each person's constitution. Common triggers include:
Environmental allergens such as dust, pollen, animal dander, cigarette smoke, mold, etc.
Cold weather and air pollution.
Excessive exertion during physical activity.
Agitation, stress, and strong emotions.
Upper respiratory tract infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Certain medications, including aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Food and beverage allergens such as seafood, alcohol, etc.
Correctly identifying triggering factors will help patients proactively avoid them and reduce the risk of asthma attacks.
3. Early Warning Signs of Asthma
Asthma symptoms are not entirely the same for everyone. Some people experience them frequently, while others only encounter them in certain situations, such as during physical activity or exposure to allergens.
Typical early warning signs include:
Wheezing, a whistling sound when breathing (especially on exhalation), a feeling of breathlessness or difficulty breathing even during light walking or at rest.
A feeling of pain or tightness in the chest.
A persistent cough, especially at night and early in the morning.
A key characteristic of these symptoms is that they are intermittent, prone to recurring in episodes, and tend to worsen with weather changes, infections, or exposure to triggering factors.
When these signs recur, patients should visit a medical facility for accurate examination and diagnosis. Regular monitoring also plays an important role in controlling how the disease progresses.
4. Managing Asthma Attacks and Preventing Recurrence
The goal of asthma treatment is to achieve good control of daily symptoms and prevent sudden acute asthma attacks. When treatment is followed correctly, people with asthma can lead normal lives, experience fewer attacks, and minimize complications.
4.1. Managing Asthma Attacks and Effectively Controlling Symptoms
Short-acting bronchodilators (such as salbutamol, albuterol, terbutaline, SABA) only reduce airway muscle spasm and tightness, while corticosteroid medications prevent asthma attacks by treating the underlying inflammation that causes asthma.
Therefore, inhaled corticosteroids are essential for treating and controlling asthma. Medication use should follow a doctor's guidance.
In addition, patients should also combine this with regular follow-up visits with a Respiratory specialist at a medical facility to have their respiratory function assessed and their treatment plan adjusted as needed.
4.2. Preventing Asthma Recurrence
Alongside treatment, everyone can apply the following measures to prevent asthma:
Minimize contact with animal dander as much as possible; avoid keeping dogs, cats, etc. at home.
Regularly keep the living space clean and well-ventilated.
Wear a mask when going outside to avoid dust, air pollution, chemicals, etc.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a well-balanced diet, keep a stable mindset, and avoid excessive anxiety and stress.
Avoid consuming foods you are allergic to (if any).
Proactively get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia on schedule, and have regular annual check-ups to detect the disease in time.