World Asthma Day is observed today, a disease that affects millions of people worldwide and significantly impacts their quality of life. The Global Initiative for Asthma has observed the first Tuesday of May every year since 1998 to raise awareness of asthma as one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases and to emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and proper treatment.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic allergic inflammatory disease of the airways. Variable and recurring respiratory symptoms, along with reduced lung function, characterize it. Symptoms include episodes of breathing difficulties, wheezing, predominantly dry, irritating cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, all accompanied by exercise intolerance, according to Dr. Zlatko Majić, pulmonologist at IMC Priora.
“Triggers” for asthma may include allergens such as pollen, weeds, dust mites, or animal hair; air pollution and smoke; consumption of certain foods; viral respiratory infections; and physical exertion or cold air. The good news is that many of these risks can be avoided or reduced.
Allergens are divided into seasonal and perennial types, and asthma symptoms may occur during a specific season or year-round. According to the World Health Organization, asthma can occur at any stage of life, from childhood to adulthood, Dr. Majić continues.
Common symptoms of an asthma attack
Asthma symptoms are heterogeneous and manifest as recurring attacks of an intensified, irritating cough and/or difficulty breathing, choking sensations, shortness of breath, chest wheezing, and general weakness, most commonly during the night or early morning.
Diagnosis of asthma
Diagnosing asthma is based on typical symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulties, and wheezing, as well as the results of objective tests. Diagnostic procedures include spirometry with a bronchodilator test, FeNO measurement, bronchoprovocation testing, and allergy testing for inhaled allergens. Regarding allergy tests, at Priora we use ALEX 2, an advanced allergy test, and FOX 2 for assessing food intolerance, states pulmonologist Dr. Majić.
Treatment and control of asthma
Asthma can be effectively controlled with proper therapy, such as inhalers and preventive medications. Regular use of therapy is crucial.
During the treatment process and to achieve good asthma control, a personalized treatment plan with individualized instructions is implemented for each patient. This includes medications for asthma control (anti-inflammatory drugs) and medications for rapid symptom relief, along with patient education and a proper hygiene and dietary regimen, all of which ultimately contribute to and enable quick relief of asthma symptoms and good daily disease control, concludes Dr. Zlatko Majić.
