Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, the tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs. In people with asthma, the airways become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult for air to move in and out.
This inflammation and narrowing can cause recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. These episodes can range from mild to sever. Can triggered by various factors, such as allergens, irritants, exercise, or respiratory infections. While asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively controlled with proper management and treatment.
| Category | Details |
| Also Referred as | Bronchial asthma, chronic respiratory disease |
| Commonly Occurs In | Children, adults, individuals with allergies or family history of asthma |
| Affected Organ | Lungs, specifically the airways (bronchi) |
| Type | Allergic asthma, Non-allergic asthma, Exercise-induced asthma, Adult-onset asthma, Childhood asthma, Occupational asthma, Eosinophilic asthma |
| Common Signs | Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness |
| Consulting Specialist | Pulmonologist, Allergist, Primary Care Doctor |
| Treatement Procedures | Preventer inhalers, reliever inhalers, asthma action plan, regular reviews, add-on therapies |
| Managed By | Corticosteroids (beclomethasone, fluticasone and prednisolone), Leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast and zafirlukast), short-acting beta agonists (salbutamol and terbutaline), long-acting beta agonists (salmeterol and formot |
| Mimiciking Condition | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), vocal cord dysfunction, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) |
Types of Asthma
There are several types of asthma which include:
1. Allergic asthma
This is the most common type of asthma, triggered by allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mould spores. Symptoms may occur seasonally or year-round, depending on the allergen.
2. Non-allergic asthma
This type of asthma is not triggered by allergens but by other factors such as stress, cold air, exercise, or respiratory infections.
3. Seasonal asthma
Symptoms of seasonal asthma are triggered by seasonal allergens, such as tree, grass, or weed pollen, and may only occur during specific times of the year.
4. Occupational asthma
This type of asthma is caused by exposure to irritants or allergens in the workplace, such as chemicals, fumes, or dust.
5. Exercise-induced asthma
Also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). This type of asthma is triggered by physical activity and may cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath during or after exercise.
6. Difficult asthma
This term refers to asthma that is challenging to control despite adherence to standard treatment plans and the elimination of potential triggers.
7. Severe asthma
Severe asthma is a form of asthma that does not respond well to standard treatments and may require higher doses of medications or additional therapies.
8. Eosinophilic asthma
This type of asthma is characterise by เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the airways and is often associate with more severe symptoms and a higher risk of asthma attacks.
9. Childhood asthma
Asthma that develops during childhood, often. Before the age of 5, and may be trigger by allergens, respiratory infections, or other factors.
10. Adult-onset asthma
Asthma that develops in adulthood, often. After the age of 20, and trigger by hormonal changes, environmental factors. Or underlying health conditions.