Asthma is a condition that affects the airways and comprises the respiratory system of the body. It makes your airways narrow and swell, which produces more mucus, which creates a breathing difficulty that can pave the way to coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing when you exhale. People with asthma must keep in mind that this is a chronic condition that requires long-term treatment.
What Are The Symptoms Of Asthma?
- Wheezing: You will notice a high pitch whistling sound when breathing
- Shortness of breath: you will notice shortness of breathing that even exacerbates doing physical activities
- Chest tightness: You will feel a pressure in your chest like a small compression
- Cough: You will undergo event of persistent coughing, which is more prevalent at night times
- Sleeping difficulties: You will have trouble sleeping because of the breathing difficulties you are experiencing
It is important to note that not everyone experiences the same symptoms; it is better to consult your healthcare provider if you experience any breathing difficulties.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COPD is a chronic inflammatory disease that limits and obstructs the airflow from the lungs and causes various respiratory distress, which usually worsens over a period of time. However, do not panic. There are effective ways of improving your symptoms and providing a good quality of life for patients.
What Are The Symptoms Of COPD?
Almost every respiratory distress, including COPD, may produce symptoms like
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
However, some of the distinctive features of COPD that are worth noting are:
Chronic cough that produces sputum which may appear abnormal, like white, yellow, or greenish
- You may develop frequent lung infections like flu or pneumonia
- You will be more prone to colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses.
- You will see a visible weight loss in the last stages of the disease
- You may also develop swelling in ankles and feet
Management of Asthma and COPD
- Inhaled corticosteroids: They are the FDA-approved first choice in treating asthma in the long term. They minimize the symptoms and help with exacerbations of COPD.
- Beta-agonists: Most frequently, respiratory disorders like COPD and asthma are treated with beta-agonists. To relax the muscles in your lungs, they bind themselves to beta-receptors and help relax the airways. Depending on the action, they can be classified into short-acting and long-acting beta-agonists. These are the bronchodilators that relax the airways and make breathing easier. Medications like aphyren capsules containing acebrophylline are used to manage bronchial asthma and COPD effectively.
- Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors (PDE4 Inhibitors): They reduce inflammation and relax airway muscles, particularly in patients with chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations. Theophylline is given, but it needs effective monitoring for side effects.
- Antibiotics: Any infections that may develop should be effectively managed by the use of suitable antibiotics. They help manage the symptoms and stop the further spread of infections.
- Combinational inhalers: These drugs provide better outcomes since they use an effective combination of a bronchodilator and inhaled steroids. Combinations like Albuterol and ipratropium are used effectively.
- Oxygen therapy: As respiratory illness causes a decreased oxygen supply to the body, it becomes inevitable that oxygen supplementation is vital. It is useful if your oxygen levels in the blood fall below normal.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation: This includes a planned exercise regimen and support programs that help you understand breathing and respiratory techniques to help with symptoms, manage wheezing, shortness of breath, etc. It reduces the risk of hospitalization.
To sum up:
Respiratory illnesses are life-threatening, and they do require immediate attention by the physician. However, there is no complete cure for asthma and COPD; various measures like staying away from trigger factors, quitting the habit of smoking, and undergoing a properly tailored treatment plan will make the cut.
