Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that affects millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, many individuals who have asthma are unaware of their condition. In some countries, it is estimated that there are 2% of people with asthma, but only 30% of them are diagnosed. This means that a staggering 70% of individuals with asthma are not receiving the treatment they need to manage their condition.
Symptoms of asthma
The symptoms of asthma can often be mistaken for a common cold or cough, which is why it is crucial to recognize the signs and seek medical attention quickly. The four common symptoms of asthma include wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and recurring cold symptoms. Many individuals may experience recurring cold symptoms, which are actually caused by the root cause of asthma not being properly treated.
A recent survey conducted by thoracic physicians revealed that “recurring cold symptoms” were one of the most common clinical symptoms of asthma. This symptom occurs when the cough or wheezing associated with asthma has not been adequately treated, leading to worsening symptoms when the weather changes or the body’s immunity decreases.
It is important to note that COVID-19 and poorly controlled asthma share similar symptoms, which can make it difficult for individuals to differentiate between the two conditions. According to research in the British Medical Journal, more than half of patients with asthma who develop symptoms of COVID-19 after diagnosis are actually caused by poorly controlled asthma.
How to manage asthma
To manage asthma, patients must receive proper treatment, which includes the use of inhaled steroids as an anti-inflammatory agent for asthma controller medicines. Unfortunately, about 16% of patients use more than three short-acting relief inhalers per year, which can increase the risk of emergency department hospitalization and death by 72% and 90%, respectively. Therefore, clinicians are encouraged to educate patients not to overuse short-acting inhalers for relief.
The prescription rate of asthma inhalers has gradually increased over the past years, while the rate of asthma hospitalization and emergency departments has been decreasing year by year.
The four common symptoms of asthma should not be taken lightly, and individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. This article aims to increase the diagnosis rate and improve disease awareness among the people. By joining the ranks of asthma care, individuals can receive the proper treatment they need to manage their condition and live a healthy life.