The first challenge that appears when a person is already affected with asthma is renowned by the name of hope. People always think that there is hope of a permanent cure for asthma, but the truth is different; the condition of asthma can be manageable with appropriate treatment but cannot be permanently cured. Now may be an individual starts thinking, Why should they get a treatment if there is no hope of a permanent cure? Then the answer is quite simple: managing this condition can give you relief, but if you just leave this condition as it is, then it can become severe, and it will start affecting your personal life, which you cannot even imagine.
However, there are few challenges in the treatment of asthma, which can arrive when treating this serious condition, and our blog will brief you on each and everything that might help you to understand the management of asthma.
Main Treatments for Asthma
The foundation of asthma treatment involves the use of inhaled corticosteroids, often referred to as preventer inhalers. These medications help reduce inflammation in the airways, preventing symptoms before they occur.
- Inhaled corticosteroids: These are typically used daily and are key to keeping asthma under control.
- Prevents airway inflammation
- Reduces the likelihood of flare-ups
- Combination with long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs): For patients who need additional support, corticosteroids are often combined with LABAs, which help to keep the airways open for extended periods.
Alongside these, patients often carry reliever inhalers (such as Salbutamol or Ventolin) for immediate relief during asthma attacks. However, these inhalers should only be used in emergencies:
- Reliever inhalers (Salbutamol/Ventolin):
- Short-acting bronchodilators that provide quick relief from symptoms.
- Should not be overused as they are effective for short durations only.
- Possible side effects include tremors and an increased heart rate.
Challenges with First-Line Treatments
Even with the use of preventer and reliever inhalers, some patients find their asthma symptoms are not fully controlled. For these individuals, additional treatments might be necessary.
- Add-on treatments:
- Anti-leukotriene tablets (e.g., Montelukast): Reduce inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
- Aminophylline tablets: These bronchodilators help relax the muscles around the airways.
- Long-acting anticholinergic inhalers: Another option for patients needing prolonged airway relaxation.
However, side effects are a common issue with these medications:
- Aminophylline: Can cause nausea, vomiting, and palpitations.
- LABAs: Often lead to sore throat or hoarseness, but these can be mitigated by rinsing the mouth after use.
- Inhaled corticosteroids with LABAs: May cause leg cramps, though these usually diminish with continued use.
Related Post: Allergic Asthma: About Causes, Symptoms, Tests & Treatment
Treating Severe Asthma
Severe asthma affects only about 10% of patients, but it consumes a significant portion of healthcare resources. For these individuals, standard treatments may not suffice, requiring more aggressive interventions.
- Steroid tablets (Prednisolone):
- Typically used for one to two weeks to reduce acute exacerbations.
- May be combined with antibiotics if there’s an infection involved.
Long-term steroid use has a big chance of having serious side effects:
- Weight gain
- Thinning of the skin
- High blood sugar
- Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
To combat these issues, doctors often prescribe additional medications:
- Bone protection tablets: To reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- Stomach protection tablets: To counteract the negative effects of long-term steroid use.
New Treatments for Severe Asthma
For patients who do not respond well to conventional treatments, innovative therapies are now available.
- Biologic drugs (e.g., Omalizumab, Mepolizumab): These are targeted therapies given in specialized hospital settings and can significantly reduce the severity of asthma symptoms.
- Bronchial thermoplasty: A radiofrequency treatment that reduces the smooth muscle tissue in the airways, making them less prone to constriction.
These newer treatments offer hope to severe asthma patients, though they are typically reserved for those whose symptoms are unmanageable by standard methods.
Self-Care: Managing Asthma on a Day-to-Day Basis
While medical treatments are crucial, self-care and lifestyle modifications also play an essential role in managing asthma effectively.
- Regular inhaler use: Following your doctor’s advice on inhaler use is key to keeping asthma under control.
- Many patients, both children and adults, struggle with non-compliance, which can worsen symptoms.
- Asthma care plan: Having a personalized care plan helps patients track their symptoms and know when to seek medical attention.
- This plan may include peak flow meter readings and a list of medications to be used.
- Smoking cessation: Patients with asthma who smoke tend to fare much worse. Quitting smoking is crucial in improving asthma outcomes.
Psychological Support and Asthma
The unpredictable nature of asthma can lead to stress and anxiety, which, in turn, exacerbate symptoms. Managing mental health is just as important as controlling physical symptoms.
- Stress and asthma: The emotional burden of asthma can lead to panic attacks or worsen breathing difficulties.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This form of therapy has been shown to be particularly effective in helping asthma patients cope with stress, reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
Conclusion
Asthma is a chronic, lifelong condition that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment and management. While medications like inhaled corticosteroids and reliever inhalers are effective for most patients, severe asthma cases may require advanced therapies. Importantly, lifestyle changes, adherence to a treatment plan, and psychological support can significantly improve the quality of life for people with asthma. Managing asthma is a day-to-day journey, and with the right care and support, symptoms can be well controlled, allowing patients to lead fulfilling lives. So if you are also starting to suffer from these common symptoms of asthma, then you should consult with an expert pulmonologist in Dubai such as Prof. Dr. Syed Arshad Husain.