Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition, highly prevalent across all age groups, affecting children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. It is characterized by symptoms such as breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, chest tightness, and “wheezing,” which manifests as a whistling sound during breathing.

In younger populations, asthma may sometimes present as reduced exercise tolerance, often noticeable in children who lag behind their peers in sports activities.

We delve deeper into this topic with Dr. Josuel Ora, a pulmonologist at ArsBiomedica.

Is There a Cure for Bronchial Asthma? How Can You Tell If You Have It?

Bronchial asthma presents through a range of symptoms that can vary in intensity and frequency. Recognizing these signs early is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Common symptoms include:

  • Wheezing: A high-pitched sound during exhalation.
  • Persistent Coughing: Often worse at night or early morning.
  • Chest Tightness: A feeling of pressure or constriction in the chest.
  • Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Difficulty in breathing or catching one’s breath.
  • Fatigue: Daytime tiredness caused by disrupted sleep from nighttime asthma attacks.

Nighttime asthma symptoms can significantly impact quality of life by causing fatigue and interfering with daily activities.

When Does Asthma Manifest?

Asthma can develop at any age. A typical pattern involves allergic children experiencing asthma attacks up to their teenage years (12–16 years old), followed by a remission that may reappear around their 40s. However, asthma can onset at any stage of life, including in individuals over 60 years old.

Asthma manifests in different ways, known as “phenotypes,” including:

  • Allergic Asthma: Triggered by allergens.
  • Eosinophilic Asthma: Characterized by elevated eosinophil levels, even without allergies.
  • Neutrophilic Asthma: Common among obese individuals or smokers.

What Causes Bronchial Asthma?

Several factors can trigger asthma attacks, including:

  • Allergies
  • Viral infections
  • Exposure to irritants or pollution
  • Emotional states, such as laughter or anger
  • Physical activity

Isn’t Exercise Generally Beneficial for Health?

Yes, exercise is universally acknowledged as one of the best remedies for chronic conditions, along with a healthy diet and restorative sleep. However, in some individuals, certain physiological and environmental factors—such as hyperventilation, exposure to allergens, and changes in temperature or humidity—can provoke asthma attacks or exercise-induced bronchospasms.

For instance:

  • Swimmers may experience asthma attacks due to increased ventilation and chlorine exposure.
  • Runners training in parks may encounter issues if they are allergic to pollens.

The advice is never to stop exercising but to mitigate triggers wherever possible. For example, avoid running near blooming mimosa trees if allergic to their pollen. Prevention and proper treatment are crucial.

Is Prevention Possible for Asthma?

Prevention primarily involves avoiding triggers, but the best prevention is proper treatment. Dr. Ora often uses a paradoxical analogy: “If an asthmatic thinks they are healthy, they are sick. If they think they are sick, they are healthy.”

This implies that untreated asthma can limit life quality by restricting activities, causing sleep disruptions, or triggering attacks at inconvenient times. However, an asthmatic individual who recognizes their condition and undergoes even mild treatments can lead a completely normal life. They can even achieve elite athletic performance—around 10% of Olympians reportedly have asthma or exercise-induced bronchospasms. Therefore, asthma is not a limitation.

Modern medicine offers a wide array of treatments to manage asthma effectively. Awareness of the condition empowers patients to overcome limitations and thrive.

Bronchial Asthma: Diagnosis and the Importance of Pulmonology Consultations

If you experience one or more symptoms, it is crucial to consult a pulmonologist. A specialist can perform tests such as spirometry or peak flow measurement to evaluate lung function and confirm an asthma diagnosis.

Although asthma can significantly impact daily life, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment enable effective management. Paying attention to early symptoms is the first step towards a more active and serene life. Consulting a pulmonologist allows for a personalized therapeutic plan and ongoing disease monitoring to ensure optimal health over time.