What distinguishes acute from chronic asthma: warning signs and management advice

The respiratory symptoms of asthma, which can vary in intensity and duration, include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and tightness in the chest. Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways. After receiving a diagnosis, an individual with asthma will experience intermittent symptoms. The condition can manifest in a number of ways, including acute flare-ups, chronic intermittent asthma, or stable asthma.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects individuals of all ages. It is brought on by inflammation, mucus buildup, and muscle constriction around the airways, which makes breathing more difficult for people.

What is acute asthma ?

According to doctors "Inflammation and blockage of your medium and small size airways are the main causes of an acute asthma flare-up. Patients report chest tightness as a result of a narrowing and restricted airflow caused by an increase in the muscular thickness of their airways. A severe episode might last anywhere from a few hours to many days, whereas a minor attack can last only a few minutes. Coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness are signs of acute flare-ups. Acute asthma requires hospitalized medical attention right away.

Another medical practitioner stated that acute asthma, also known as an asthma exacerbation or flare, is characterised by a progressive decrease in lung function and a progressive increase in symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, or chest tightness." These flares can be lethal and necessitate hospitalization or emergency visits. Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest are some of the symptoms. Over time, these symptoms may become more or less severe. With the appropriate care, asthma may be controlled even though it can be a serious condition.

CHRONIC ASTHMA: WHAT IS IT?

"It's a condition where acute asthma gets worse with time and becomes resistant to the usual line of management," . Chronic asthma can be brought on by respiratory virus infections, dust mites in the home, pollens, air pollution, fumes, stress, anxiety, and abrupt physical activity, among other things.

"Chronic is a term that is used to refer to anything that is long standing, but it is no longer used when referring to bronchial asthma,". Asthma symptomatic control states are currently referred to by three terms: severe asthma, difficult to manage, and uncontrolled asthma. Poor symptom management and recurrent exacerbations or worsening of symptoms are considered indicators of uncontrolled asthma.

WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF CHRONIC ASTHMA?

"Medications mainly include Inhaled bronchodilators, leukotriene antagonists, immunotherapy, biologicals, etc." . It is customized according to the severity and state of the patients. All of them seek to lower inflammation and manage symptoms, with the exception of immunotherapy, which modifies the body's reaction to allergens. Even though it's frequently thought of as a treatable condition, asthma is a complicated medical condition that can have disastrous results if left untreated."

"If you have asthma, it's important to understand the hazards associated with having the condition," she said in her conclusion. In the end, the only way to differentiate between acute and chronic asthma symptoms is to see a doctor. They are able to identify any underlying problems and help you decide what to do next. Asthma shouldn't prevent you from taking pleasure in life. You can live a healthy, productive life with asthma if you follow your pulmonologist's advice regarding the best course of therapy.