Understanding Asthma: Symptoms, Triggers and How to Manage It
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects people of all ages, but with the right medications, monitoring, and lifestyle changes, it can be managed effectively. Discover what causes asthma, who is at risk, common asthma symptoms, and how to treat and manage asthma effectively.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition where the airways become inflamed, swollen, and sensitive to various asthma triggers. When exposed to these triggers, the muscles around the airways tighten, and excess mucus is produced, making breathing difficult.
Common Asthma Symptoms
Knowing the signs of asthma is key to getting the right treatment. Asthma symptoms include:
- Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing, especially during exhalation.
- Shortness of breath: Feeling out of breath, especially after physical activity or during sleep.
- Coughing: Persistent coughing, often worse at night or early in the morning.
- Chest tightness: A sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest, making it hard to take deep breaths.
These symptoms may occur infrequently or daily, and they may vary in severity depending on the asthma type and triggers.
Who Is at Risk of Asthma - And What Triggers It?
Asthma can affect anyone, but certain groups are more likely to develop the condition due to a mix of genetic factors, lifestyle habits and environmental exposures. Here’s a closer look at who’s most at risk, and why…
1. Children and Adolescents
Asthma is most commonly diagnosed in childhood. Children are at higher risk due to smaller, more sensitive airways and exposure to allergens and pollutants that can trigger inflammation. Family history also plays a significant role, as asthma tends to run in families. Estimates suggest that 5.8% of children aged 6–7 and 8.9% of adolescents aged 13–14 are living with asthma, highlighting the importance of early detection and long-term care. (Source: Taylor’s University research publication)
2. Gender Differences
Boys are more likely to develop asthma in childhood, but after puberty, women are more likely to develop asthma than men. Hormonal changes in women particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, may play a role in asthma flare-ups.
3. Adults and Adult-Onset Asthma
Asthma can develop at any age, even in adults who didn’t have it as children. Adult-onset asthma can be triggered by exposures to occupational irritants, respiratory infections, or hormonal changes, particularly in women.
4. Genetic Factors
Asthma has a strong genetic component. If a parent or sibling has asthma, you are more likely to develop it. People with a family history of other allergic conditions, like hay fever or eczema, are also at higher risk.
5. Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers
Environmental factors like air pollution, cigarette smoke, and indoor allergens increase asthma risk. Additionally, obesity and a long-term poor diet also contribute to higher asthma rates, as they can increase inflammation in the body.
6. Other Medical Conditions
Certain health conditions can increase the likelihood of developing asthma or worsen existing asthma. These include :
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- GERD (acid reflux)
Asthma Triggers to Watch Out For
While the exact cause of asthma isn’t fully understood, experts agree it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. You can’t change your genes but you can take steps to identify and avoid external asthma triggers that worsen symptoms or bring on an attack. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and cockroach droppings can trigger asthma symptoms.
2. Occupational Irritants: Exposure to airborne dusts, vapors or fumes, smoke, chemicals, or strong odors at the working environment may be causing lung irritation and trigger asthma to those with pre-existing condition.
3. Respiratory Infections: Viral infections such as the flu or the common cold can worsen asthma symptoms or trigger attacks, especially in young children.
4. Exercise: Physical activity, particularly in cold or dry air, can trigger symptoms of asthma in some individuals, a condition known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). The Management of Asthma in Adults points out that EIB occurs in approximately 10% of the general population, and in up to 90% of individuals with asthma.
Diagnosing Asthma
When diagnosing asthma, healthcare providers will generally rely on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and lung function tests, such as:
- Spirometry: A test that measures how much air you can breathe in and out and how fast you can exhale. Spirometry is recognized as more reliable than
- Peak Expiratory Flow Measurement: A portable device that measures how quickly you can exhale air from your lungs.
Allergy Testing: To identify potential allergens that may trigger your symptoms.
How to Manage Asthma Symptoms and Treatment Option
While there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed effectively through a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. The primary goal of asthma treatment is generally to relieve the symptoms and prevent exacerbation of asthma attacks
- Long-term control medications:
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS): Reduce inflammation and help prevent symptoms.
- Leukotriene modifiers or Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) : Help block the chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.
- Long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) : Help relax the muscles around the airways to keep them open.
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS): Reduce inflammation and help prevent symptoms.
- Quick-relief (rescue) medications:
- Short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) : Provide immediate relief by relaxing the muscles around the airways.
- Anticholinergics: Help reduce mucus production and relieve airway narrowing.
- Short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) : Provide immediate relief by relaxing the muscles around the airways.
- Biologic Therapies: These are newer medications used to treat moderate to severe asthma, especially in people whose symptoms are not well controlled with standard treatments. They work by targeting specific components of the immune system—such as certain antibodies or inflammatory pathways—that contribute to chronic airway inflammation.
Often, a combination of these medications is prescribed based on the individual’s symptom patterns and severity.
While these treatments are effective, they may come with side effects, especially when used long-term or in combination. That’s why it’s important to have regular check-ups with your doctor to review your treatment plan and make sure it continues to meet your needs safely.
Lifestyle Changes and Prevention
- Identify and avoid triggers: Work with your doctor to figure out what triggers your asthma and try to minimize exposure.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve lung function and asthma control, but make sure to manage exercise-induced asthma with proper medication.
- Manage allergies: If you have allergic asthma, allergy treatments like antihistamines or immunotherapy (allergy shots) can help.
Regular check-ups: Work with your healthcare provider to monitor asthma symptoms and adjust treatment as necessary.
Living with Asthma: Daily Tips
Asthma can be a challenging condition, but with proper management, most people can lead active and normal lives. Here are some daily habits that can make a difference:
- Stay on top of your medication regimen: Take your medications as prescribed, even when you feel well.
- Monitor symptoms: Keep track of symptoms and peak flow readings to detect early signs of worsening asthma.
- Create an asthma action plan: Work with your doctor to create a personalized plan that outlines how to handle asthma symptoms and flare-ups.
- Avoid known triggers when possible: Identify your triggers—like smoke, dust, or strong scents—and take steps to minimize exposure.
- Maintain a healthy weight and stay active: Engage in doctor-approved physical activity to strengthen your lungs and overall health.
- Keep your living space clean and allergen-free: Reduce dust, mold, pet dander, and other allergens at home to help prevent flare-ups.
Final Thoughts
Asthma is a manageable condition when you understand your triggers, follow your treatment plan, and keep in touch with your healthcare provider. Whether you’ve had asthma for years or are newly diagnosed, taking small, consistent steps to your lifestyle can help control asthma symptoms and prevent attacks. Patients and family members should also be educated on side effects from prolonged use of asthma medication. If you or a loved one has asthma, regular monitoring and communication with healthcare providers are essential to managing the condition effectively.
References
National Institutes of Health Malaysia (NIH) – Research & Public Health Info, Access local research and public health initiatives related to asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Asthma Malaysia – https://www.asthmamalaysia.org, A local NGO providing support, education, and advocacy for Malaysians living with asthma.
Taylor’s University (2021) – Asthma Research among Malaysian Schoolchildren, A study examining asthma prevalence among primary and secondary school students in Malaysia, based on local data.
Asthma & Lung UK – What is Asthma?, Useful resources on symptoms, triggers, and daily living tips for people with asthma.