Asthma, which has become widespread in both adults and children in recent years, manifests itself with symptoms such as constant coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness, especially at night. Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Nurgül Naurzvai explained the 7 most common types of asthma and gave important warnings and suggestions.
Asthma, which can be triggered by many risk factors, especially pollens, dust, cigarette smoke, perfume, overweight and unhealthy diet, develops due to inflammation and narrowing of the small airways in the lungs. Stating that the risk of developing the disease is higher in those with a family history of asthma, Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Nurgül Naurzvai said, “Exposure to allergens triggers asthma complaints and sometimes even causes an attack. During an asthma attack, the pipes that carry air to the lungs narrow significantly, significantly reducing the oxygen level in the blood, the lips turn blue, it can lead to unconsciousness and life-threatening. Therefore, urgent treatment is essential.
Stating that people who did not have asthma in childhood or youth may develop asthma in the future, Dr. Naurzvai said that people diagnosed with asthma in adulthood often have persistent symptoms, needing daily medication to manage this condition.
Table of Contents
Do you know the type of your asthma?
Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Nurgül Naurzvai, the most common types of asthma; He says he has exercise-induced bronchospasm, allergic asthma, non-allergic asthma, cough variant asthma, occupational asthma, and nocturnal asthma. For some people, symptoms only occur occasionally when triggers are encountered, while those with more severe asthma experience more frequent symptoms. Dr. Naurzvai warned about the most common types of asthma.
allergy-induced asthma
Stating that allergy-related asthma is the most common type, Dr. Naurzvai said that allergens that cause an allergic response can enter the body through the airway, skin, esophagus or injection. When a person with allergic asthma comes into contact with a trigger substance, the body responds by releasing IgE-type antibodies. The main allergen substances are; pollen, cockroaches, house dust mites, mold fungi, pet dander (skin flakes), urine, feces, saliva and hair. Dr. “With a skin or blood test, specific allergens can be identified and you can find out if you need to take medication for your allergic-induced asthma seasonally or year-round,” Naurzvai said.
exercise-induced asthma
Exercise-induced bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways) occurs after physical activities. This type of asthma triggered by physical activity causes airflow limitation and respiratory complaints while exercising in 90 percent of patients.
Cough Variant Asthma (CVA)
Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Nurgül Naurzvai stated that cough variant asthma progresses only with the complaint of cough without shortness of breath and said, “This type of asthma is seen as a chronic cough. If not treated properly, cough variant asthma can progress to more severe asthma.
occupational asthma
Occupational asthma is triggered by an irritant you're exposed to at work. If your asthma started when you changed jobs, improved when you were away from the workplace, or was triggered by chemicals, you may have occupational asthma. Occupational asthma mostly; It is seen in bakers, detergent manufacturers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, farmers, grain elevator workers, laboratory workers, metal workers, millers, plastic workers and carpenters.
nocturnal asthma
Stating that this type, which is classified as nocturnal asthma, causes complaints such as coughing, wheezing and chest tightness as in other types of asthma, Dr. Naurzvai said, “However, in nighttime asthma, the complaints are exacerbated in the evening hours. Its treatment is almost the same as inhalers and other medications for other types of asthma. Respirators can help control the disease and enable the patient to lead a normal and active life.
non allergic asthma
Asthma that is not triggered by allergic factors is called 'allergic asthma'. The main factors that trigger non-allergic asthma are; infections, exercise, stress and changing weather conditions.
severe asthma
Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Naurzvai says, “If a person experiences asthma symptoms more than twice a week, their asthma is termed 'persistent'. Persistent asthma is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. 'Uncontrolled asthma' occurs when asthma symptoms are not well managed. Other conditions that make asthma difficult to manage, such as heart disease, can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Smoking and not taking inhaler drugs regularly are also causes of uncontrolled asthma.
Effective recommendations for asthma sufferers
Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Nurgül Naurzvai listed the simple but effective measures you can take to relieve asthma symptoms as follows:
- Avoid such allergens as weather changes, dust, smoke, grass and tree pollen, animal dander, soaps and perfumes are the main triggers of asthma.
- Get down to your ideal weight with a healthy diet, as excess weight can increase asthma symptoms.
- Absolutely do not smoke, avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.
- Follow your doctor's instructions as your medications vary according to the type of asthma and the severity of the disease. Always take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
- You can take a hot steam bath, which is good for nasal congestion and airway irritation.
- Do not use herbal medicine without consulting your doctor, as it may interact with the medicines you are using.
Günceleme: 20/06/2023 14:20
