Asthma is an inflammatory lung disease with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. In most situations, asthma may be controlled avoiding triggers, taking daily medicines, and other treatment choices. A doctor may also suggest a health screening to determine the best ways to manage your asthma.
Asthma is considered severe when it necessitates the use of medium or high doses of inhaled corticosteroids, as well as additional longer-acting treatments. It is also deemed severe when asthma is uncontrolled despite the use of these drugs. Individuals with severe uncontrolled asthma have to deal with its symptoms most days.
What Are The Symptoms Of Severe Asthma?
Severe asthma has symptoms that are identical to those of mild to moderate asthma. However, the symptoms of severe asthma are more intense, difficult to manage with asthma medications and could also be fatal.
Symptoms of severe asthma include:
- Shortness of breath and breathing difficulties that worsen.
- Pain, discomfort and tightness of the chest.
- Persistent coughing and wheezing, even with treatments.
- Symptoms do not improve despite using a rescue inhaler.
- Paleness or blueness of the lips, face or fingernails
As severe asthma can be very serious and is capable of being life-threatening, it’s important to know when to get emergency medical help. Call 911 or go to the hospital if you suffer shortness of breath that arises or worsens when conducting a simple physical activity.
If a quick-relief inhaler does not work to relieve the symptoms, you may require emergency medical attention.
How Is Severe Asthma Treated?
Severe asthma is defined as a condition that either does not respond to treatment or is extremely difficult to treat. When there is a lack of response to asthma treatments and medications, the condition is referred to as therapy-resistant asthma. This may happen because your asthma has developed resistance towards corticosteroids or other asthma treatments.
If your asthma isn’t improving despite medication, consult your doctor to help diagnose and properly determine the treatment options for your condition. They will examine for any other illnesses that might be mistaken for asthma, such as angina or heart failure.
They will also check for serious asthma complications like persistent infections or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (a severe allergic reaction caused exposure to a type of fungus).
Your doctor will help design a suitable treatment plan if you have severe asthma. Such plans may include medications, lifestyle adjustments, as well as natural remedies.
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Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications and treatment such as:
- Corticosteroids
- Nebulizers
- long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs)
- Theophylline
- Ipratropium bromide
- Montelukast
These medications may be used alone or in combination, depending on your doctor’s recommendation.
Lifestyle Changes
Here are some of the lifestyle changes that may assist in managing your severe asthma:
- Avoid any allergens or exposure to environmental irritants such as chemicals whenever possible.
- Reduce bodyweight gradually under the supervision of your doctor if overweight or obese.
- Stay away from known triggers.
- Do not smoke and stay away from second-hand smoke.
- Establish a regular workout routine and a healthy diet under the advice of your doctor.
Natural Remedies
While natural remedies should not be used in lieu of prescribed asthma drugs, they may provide some benefits in addition to prescribed medications.
Examples of natural remedies which may be beneficial to asthmatics include:
- Breathing exercises such as the Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT), which might help manage the symptoms of asthma.
- Herbal remedies such as choline, garlic, ginger, and caffeine.
- Yoga and mindfulness, which can help to reduce stress, which is capable of triggering or worsening an asthma attack.
Many alternative therapies and their impact on severe asthma symptoms require more study. Before you start taking any herbs or supplements, talk to your doctor.