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 Organisation (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.

“Flare-up/Acute asthma can be precipitated by a recent viral illness, sudden change in temperature, exposure to fumes, strenuous exercises, emotional states like anxiety or stress, and stoppage of using inhalers,” said Dr. Anusha CM, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Manipal Hospital in Malleshwaram, during an interview. These acute symptom episodes typically begin suddenly and require immediate medical attention.

Describe acute asthma.
In response, Dr. Anusha CM said, “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 few minutes can pass between a mild and severe attack, but a few hours to a few days. Symptoms of acute flare-ups include chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, and coughing. Acute asthma needs immediate medical management at the hospital.”

Expertizing on the subject, Dr. Vivek Nangia, Principal Director and Head of Pulmonology at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket, New Delhi, 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 hospitalisation 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,” explained Dr Anusha CM. 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,” Dr. Vivek Nangia clarified. 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.

He went on, “A patient with difficult-to-treat asthma is one who still experiences symptoms even after taking medium- to high-dose medications.” It does not imply a “tough patient.” Many patients may see asthma as being difficult to manage due to modifiable variables like smoking, comorbidities, improper inhaler technique, poor adherence, or an inaccurate diagnosis. A subgroup of patients with severe asthma are those who do not improve with high doses of medication even when the diagnosis has been confirmed, adherence to treatment has been ensured, inhalation technique has been corrected, and comorbidities have been addressed. These individuals ought to be assessed for the recently approved drugs known as biologic treatments.

WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF CHRONIC ASTHMA?
“Medications mainly include Inhaled bronchodilators, leukotriene antagonists, immunotherapy, biologicals, etc.” Dr. Anusha CM recommended. It is customised 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 enjoying life. With the right course of treatment as advised by your pulmonologist, you can lead a healthy, fulfilling life with asthma.”

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