BREATHE EASY

Asthma affects millions of people worldwide. You've likely heard of the condition before - perhaps a friend or a family member has it. But what is it exactly, who's likely to get it, and how is it prevented or treated? Let’s take a closer look.

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that inflames and narrows the airways, making it feel like you're trying to breathe through a drinking straw! This can cause symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, a tight feeling in the chest, and coughing, which is especially worse at night or early in the morning. Not a great way to start the day!

So, What Causes Asthma?

Well, it's a bit tricky. The exact cause is a mystery, but it's likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. This means that you're more prone to developing asthma if a relative has it. Environmentally, exposure to allergens such as dust mites, pollen, or mould, as well as air pollution, smoke, respiratory infections, and even vigorous exercise can trigger asthma symptoms.

Who’s in the firing line?

Asthma can crop up at any age, though it often starts during childhood. The data shows that boys are more likely to develop asthma before puberty, but once they've grown up, it's more common in women.

Children are at a higher risk of developing asthma if:

• they were born premature or with a low birth weight

• their mother smoked during pregnancy

• they live in a house with people who smoke

• they have been exposed to air pollution or mould

Let's take a look at some asthma rates around the world. Globally, over 300 million people are living with asthma. In Australia, it affects about 1 in 9 people, so around 2.7 million Aussies! Pop over the ditch to New Zealand, and about 1 in 7 kids and 1 in 8 adults have asthma.

Looking further abroad to the Asia Pacific region, we see a whopping 150 million people dealing with asthma. But keep in mind, the prevalence can vary widely within the region, from as low as 1.7% in Indonesia to a high of 20% in Australia.

Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

While there's no known way to prevent asthma just yet, managing it effectively is doable. Asthma is usually diagnosed through lung function tests, often alongside a look at personal and family medical histories.

Once you've been diagnosed, it's about keeping things under control. This usually involves steering clear of triggers, keeping an eye on symptoms, and taking medications. There are two main types of asthma medications: long-term control medications (like inhaled corticosteroids) that help reduce inflammation in the airways, and quick-relief or "rescue" medications (like salbutamol) used to quickly relax and open the airways during an asthma attack.

Living with asthma can be a bit tough, but remember, it doesn't have to define you. With the right care and management, people with asthma can live full, active lives. And with ongoing research, who knows what new treatments the future might bring! For now, it's about learning, understanding, and taking the right steps to control and manage it.

Sept23