Guide
Guide
Asthma (also known as bronchial asthma) is a widespread, chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is an exaggerated defence reaction of the immune system to environmental influences that are actually harmless. This reaction leads to a recurring narrowing of the airways, which makes breathing difficult. With targeted asthma treatment and by avoiding triggers, sufferers can significantly improve their quality of life.
Asthma can be caused by a variety of triggers such as allergies, air pollution, physical exertion or even cold air. Typical asthma symptoms include a persistent cough, especially at night or in the early hours of the morning, a whistling sound when breathing (wheezing) and a feeling of tightness in the chest. These symptoms can be exacerbated by various environmental factors or stressful situations.
Basically, asthma can be categorised into different types. This differentiation is often based on the so-called asthma triggers:
While allergic asthma is a reaction to certain substances (e.g. strong odours or smoke) from the environment, non-allergic asthma is an overreaction to the smallest changes in the environment, such as cold air.
The most common form of asthma is probably a mixture of allergic and non-allergic asthma. For those affected, both allergens and other environmental stimuli can become asthma triggers.
Exercise-induced asthma is caused by physical exertion. Sport in particular can lead to an asthma attack during or after exercise.
The diagnosis of possible asthma is complex. In addition to the classic medical history in a consultation with a doctor, various tests can be used to determine the best possible treatment for your symptoms.
Lung function tests are also used here. They can be used to measure both the flow rate of air through the lungs (spirometry) and the breathing resistance or residual volume after exhalation (bodyplethysmography).
There are also different methods for allergy tests: a series of potential allergens are tested using a skin test on the forearm. An allergy can also be detected using a blood test. Specific proteins (known as immunoglobulins) are formed in the blood - an increased concentration of these immunoglobulins therefore indicates an allergy.
In a provocation test, the respiratory tract and nasal mucosa are confronted with certain allergens by inhalation. This is followed by a lung function test to determine the reaction to the allergens.
The comprehensive diagnosis also serves to differentiate a possible asthma disease from similar clinical pictures such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis.
While the symptoms of COPD and asthma are very similar at first glance - including breathlessness and coughing, for example - there are some differences between the clinical pictures:
Asthma is characterised by an alternation between symptom-free periods and sometimes acute respiratory problems. The symptom-free period can be increased and the severity of an attack reduced by adjusting the medication.
COPD leads to a progressive worsening of the symptoms. This narrowing of the airways is irreversible and can therefore no longer be reversed. While asthma is often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, COPD is usually only diagnosed in people over the age of 40. The causes of the two diseases must also be differentiated: Allergies are usually responsible for asthma, while smoking is considered the main cause of COPD.
There are also cases in which asthma and COPD occur together. This is known as an asthma-COPD overlap. This is not a separate disease, but an overlap between the two diseases, which affects around 15 to 30% of asthma and COPD patients.
Inhalers are mainly used for the medicinal treatment of asthma. A distinction is made between medication for long-term treatment (controller) and medication for acute treatment (reliever): Inhalation of both active ingredients offers two advantages over taking tablets:
So-called short-acting betamimetics are used as active ingredients for the acute treatment of an asthma attack. Corticosteroids such as cortisone are used for long-term treatment.
Asthma may not be curable – but it is usually manageable. With targeted asthma therapy, identifying triggers, and regularly practicing breathing techniques, those affected can effectively control their symptoms. A healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity and regular medical check-ups is crucial for enhancing well-being and maintaining quality of life.
Asthma is a very complex condition. Our guide is intended solely for informational and orientation purposes. Effective asthma treatment can only take place under medical supervision.
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