- By Priyanka Munshi
- Tue, 07 May 2024 12:11 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The airways of the lungs are affected by asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that narrows and irritates them. Chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath are indications of this narrowing, making it difficult for air to enter and exit the lungs. There are individual differences in the triggers for asthma attacks, which might include respiratory illnesses, exercise, exposure to smoking or pollution, and allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander.
Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be successfully controlled with medicine and by avoiding triggers as much as possible. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Vikas Mittal, a pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, discussed other health conditions linked to asthma.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in the lungs. It often runs in families, and sufferers experience recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, coughing, and mucus production. These symptoms are triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, and smoke.
Allergic Rhinitis: A Common Link
In around 90% of asthma cases, there's a co-existing allergic condition of the nose called allergic rhinitis, causing sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose.
Skin Allergies And Asthma
Many people with asthma also have a history of allergic skin diseases like eczema (allergic dermatitis) or urticaria (hives).
COPD vs. Asthma: Key Differences
Exposure to biomass fuels and tobacco smoke can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While COPD shares some symptoms with asthma, it typically develops after 40 years of age, unlike childhood-onset asthma. Additionally, asthma symptoms are intermittent and controllable with medication, whereas COPD is a progressive disease. However, asthmatics who smoke may develop features of both conditions.
Mold Exposure And Asthma Complications
Exposure to molds and fungi can worsen and accelerate asthma symptoms. In severe cases, it can lead to a condition called allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM), which can damage the lungs.
Other Conditions Similar To Asthma
Several Other Conditions Can Mimic Asthma:
Bronchiectasis: This involves chronic airway infection and dilation, causing excessive mucus production and sometimes coughing up blood.
Infective Bronchitis: Viral or bacterial infections of the airways can cause symptoms similar to asthma.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): When stomach acid refluxes into the upper airways, it can trigger cough and worsen asthma control.
Also Read: 6 Benefits Of Drinking One Glass Of Warm Okra Water On An Empty Stomach Everyday
Airway Obstruction: Foreign objects lodged in the airways, vocal cord dysfunction, or airway narrowing due to tumors (internal or external) can also cause symptoms resembling asthma.
While asthma has distinct characteristics, other conditions can present with similar symptoms. Consulting a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
