Asthma in the USA: Symptoms, Triggers & Treatment Guide

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory disease in the USA. It is usually caused by the inflammation and tightening of the muscles around the airways, making it difficult for a person to breathe. Most of the time, it is underdiagnosed and under-treated. If left untreated for long, it can lead to fatigue, exhaustion, sleep disturbance, and poor concentration. 

As per statistics, around 28 million people living in the USA have Asthma. Shockingly, 1 in every 12 school-going children has asthma. This mounts the total cost of health care to 81.9 billion. The most severe case of asthma usually leads to the death of the individual making the death toll to around 3,733. There is no permanent cure for asthma, but it can be easily managed and improved with a good treatment plan.

What are Asthma Attacks?

Asthma attacks, also called flare-ups, happen when there is swelling or tightness in the lung airways, which makes breathing difficult for a person. The recurring episodes of asthma and the symptoms associated with it are asthma attacks. The symptoms can usually get worse if their is no medical intervention. Also, the nature of the attacks can be gradual or quick, which makes it life-threatening. Usually, it starts off as a cough followed by tightening of the chest, followed by feeling lightheaded.

What are the Common Symptoms of Asthma?

Some cardinal signs show as part of the symptoms that you are having an asthma attack, which include:

Wheezing: A whistling sound would be heard, quite high-pitched, while breathing in or breathing out.

Coughing: The person would have a frequent dry or wet cough, which can get worse during early morning or at night.

Chest Tightness: There would be an unexplained tightness or heaviness in the chest, which can feel suffocating.

Shortness of Breath: Breathing difficulties can occur, as if there is not enough air entering the lungs.

Common Triggers for Asthma in the USA

Asthma patients have inflamed airways, which make them highly sensitive to particles commonly called triggers, which can worsen their condition. The trigger usually varies from person to person, along with the intensity with which it occurs. So, the patient must be well aware of the triggers to take the right precautions. 

Allergens: These are the substances that can flare up your asthma. It is always better to avoid these to decrease or prevent the episodes. Some common allergens are:

• Pollen 
• Mold
• Pet dander
• Rodent 
• Dust Mites
• Cockroaches

Air Irritants: Irritants present in the air can also cause an asthma attack. Even though they do not cause an allergy, they can aggravate irritation in the inflamed airways. These irritants include:

• Wood fires
• Chemicals
• Dust and particulate matter in the air
• Smog and fog
• Smoke from tobacco and marijuana products
• Charcoal grills

Occupational Hazards: Working in an environment that has highly toxic chemicals or industrial dust is sure to flare up your symptoms of asthma, and it should be strictly avoided. 

Exercise or Physical Activity: People with asthma need to be careful not to overdo physical activity. Exercising, especially in cold air triggers asthma. The symptoms will not usually appear immediately, but later on, while continuing with the exercise.

Abrupt Weather Changes: When there is an abrupt change in weather conditions, it can cause episodes of asthma attacks. This usually occurs when the allergens in the air interfere with the airway, causing breathing difficulties and other respiratory problems.

How is the Condition Diagnosed?

Asthma gets diagnosed through a detailed study of medical history, physical examination, and lung function test. 

Study of Medical History and Physical Examination: This includes checking the medical and family history of the patient, along with asking about symptoms, experiences, and what triggers the attacks. This is quickly followed by a physical examination, checking breathing pattern, skin for allergies, and looking at the nose and throat. 

Lung Function Tests: The test is done specifically to check how much air you can breathe in and out, and how effectively your lungs can be emptied. Some of these tests include spirometry, challenge tests, and bronchodilator reversibility tests. 

Additional tests for allergy, blood test, and chest imaging can be done based on the severity of the case.

What are the Treatment Options?

There are different treatment options that are available for the treatment of asthma, which can vary depending on severity and the symptoms that persist. 

Medication: The medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, combination inhalers, and theophylline, are the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of asthma. These are the long-term medications that are administered daily for relief. It will also help control the symptoms of the condition. 

Quick-Rescue Medication: Medicines like short-acting beta agonists, oral and intravenous corticosteroids, and anticholinergic agents can be taken to get rapid, short-term relief in case you suffer from an asthma attack. 

Allergy Medications: Patients can be given allergy shots so that, over time, their immune system is able to build resistance against a certain allergen. The shots are usually given once a week for a few months, and then followed by being given once a month.

In case you develop severe asthma, which is ineffective against all the medications mentioned, the doctors will start with bronchial thermoplasty treatment. In this technique, the doctor heats up the insides of the airways, which reduces the smoothness of the muscles. Airways tightening gets limited, which will help in easing breathing.

How Can it be Managed Effectively?

Without even a permanent cure, patients with asthma can have a healthy, normal, prolonged life. There are certain ways through which you can effectively manage the symptoms. The most important way is to make lifestyle changes and adjustments. 

• Be Attentive of Your Symptoms: As a patient, be well aware of the symptoms that can trigger the attack. Once you feel the condition is worsening, immediately seek medical assistance. Always keep your inhaler handy for effective control of mild symptoms.
• Avoid Triggers: Common triggers like fumes, smog, food, pollen, strong fragrances, which can trigger your symptoms, can be avoided on your own as much as possible.
• Strictly Follow Medication Plan: Make sure to follow the medication plan that has been mapped out by the doctor. Make use of preventers, relievers, and spacers, as per the requirement and the severity of your asthma.

Wrapping Up

Detection and treatment of asthma remain a crucial healthcare challenge. Even though deadly in the most severe cases, it is manageable with the right approach, timely intervention, and diagnosis. The best way to bring down the severity of the disease and live a long, healthy life is to identify what triggers you, understand symptoms, along with dedicatedly following the treatment plan that has been worked out with the doctor. While disparities can be a concern among different demographics, access to quality healthcare can help reduce the severity of asthma among patients. 

For Indians living in the USA who are asthma patients, there should be a health insurance plan with complete coverage for treatment. Opting for a dedicated NRI Health insurance plan like the Niva Bupa Health Insurance for NRIs provides you with customised, exclusive coverage for emergency medical costs, unforeseen events, like asthma-related treatment, and other illnesses. They ensure that you get the right amount of financial support to cover the medical expenses incurred.

FAQs

1. Does asthma affect healthy living?

Asthma can only affect your health if it remains unmanaged for a long period of time. If detected early, people with asthma can live a healthier life if they start to manage it properly with medication, exercise, and eating right. 

2. Is there a difference between an asthma attack and asthma symptoms?

There is indeed a marked difference between an asthma attack and asthma symptoms. Asthma symptoms are usually mild to moderate signals that your airways have been irritated. It can come and go at any time during the day or week. It can be easily controlled using an inhaler and medications. 

Asthma symptom is usually a sudden, fatal flare-up, where the symptoms start worsening with time, making it difficult to even breathe. It always requires immediate medical attention, as it is intense and potentially life-threatening. 

3. Why is asthma misdiagnosed?

The main reason asthma gets misdiagnosed is that there is no conclusive test for diagnosis, and it shares similar symptoms with other cardiac and respiratory issues. Also, the physical examination that is done by the doctor appears quite normal unless the patient shows elevated signs of breathing difficulty, followed by other prominent symptoms. 

4. Why is it difficult to diagnose asthma in older adults?

As the person ages, the specific traits of asthma get masked. Once a person crosses their middle age, there is a gradual decline in lung function. So, most of the time, the doctors mistake the symptoms as classic signs of ageing. 

5. Can people with asthma exercise safely?

Yes. Most people with asthma can participate in regular physical activity when their condition is properly managed. Exercise can improve lung function, overall fitness, and quality of life. However, individuals with exercise-induced asthma should consult their doctor about preventive measures, such as using a prescribed inhaler before exercise.