World Asthma Day (WAD) is organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma, (GINA), a World Health Organization collaborative organization founded in 1993.  WAD is held each May to raise awareness of Asthma worldwide. GINA has chosen “Asthma care for All” as the theme for the 2023 World Asthma Day.

Most of the burden of asthma morbidity and mortality occurs in low- and middle-income countries which Nigeria is one.

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways. It causes wheezing and breathing difficulties. There are different types, such as childhood, adult-onset, seasonal, and workplace-related asthma.

Asthma causes the inside walls of the airways, or the bronchial tubes, to become swollen and inflamed. During an asthma attack, the airways swell, the muscles around them tighten, and it becomes difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs.

 

Symptoms

 

A person living with asthma may experience:

Coughing, especially at night, when laughing, or during exercise

tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, difficulty talking,

anxiousness or panic, fatigue, chest pain, rapid breathing

frequent infections, trouble sleeping

An asthma attack occurs when the symptoms become severe. Attacks can begin suddenly and range from mild to life threatening.

 

Diagnosis

 

A doctor will consider symptoms, family and personal medical history, and test results before making the diagnosis.

Causes and Triggers

Ø  Pregnancy- smoking during pregnancy appears to increase the risk of the fetus developing asthma later in life. Some people also experience an aggravation of asthma symptoms while pregnant.

Ø  Obesity- is both a risk factor for and a disease modifier of asthma in both children and adults. A person with obesity may experience more frequent and severe symptoms and a decreased quality of life. They may also not respond to medications as well.

Ø  Allergies develop when a person’s body becomes sensitized to a specific substance. Once the sensitization has developed, the person will be susceptible to an allergic reaction each time there is an encounter with the substance. Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma. Inhaling an allergen typically causes a person’s asthma symptoms to occur.

Ø  Smoking tobacco- According to the ALA, smoking cigarettes can trigger asthma symptoms. Moreover, secondhand smoke can cause damage to the lungs as well. This can reduce a person’s response to treatment and decrease airflow in the lungs.

Ø  Environmental factors- Air pollution, both at one’s home and outdoors, can affect the development and triggers of asthma. Some allergens inside the house include: Mold, dust, animal hair and dander, fumes from household cleaners and paints, cockroaches, feathers. Other triggers in the home and outdoors include pollen, air pollution from traffic and other sources.

Ø  Stress - can give rise to asthma symptoms, but so can several other emotions. Joy, anger, excitement, laughter, crying, and other emotional reactions can all trigger an asthma attack.

Ø  Genetic factors- According to the ALA, a genetic component may play a role in whether an individual will develop asthma during their lifetime. A person who has one or both parents living with asthma is more likely than others to develop the condition.

Ø  Hormonal factors- Hormonal activity may also impact immune activity, resulting in hypersensitivity in the airways. People with intermittent asthma may also have symptoms only some of the time.

 

Treatment

 

Your doctor will recommend one treatment, or a combination of treatments based on: the type of asthma, age, triggers.

Your treatment plan may also involve learning your triggers, monitoring your symptoms carefully, and taking steps to avoid flare-ups.

Prevention and management

Avoiding triggers- Steer clear of chemicals, smells, or products that have caused breathing problems in the past. Reducing exposure to allergens such as dust or mold, that trigger an asthma attack, avoid them if possible.

Allergen immunotherapy is a type of treatment that may help alter your immune system. With routine shots, one’s body may become less sensitive to any triggers you encounter.

ü  Eating a healthier diet

ü  Maintaining a moderate weight

ü  Quitting smoking

ü  Exercising regularly

ü  Managing stress