Experts recognize warning signs of asthma

Anyone who has to cough constantly and gets bad air usually thinks first of a "harmless" cold. But if the symptoms last longer, it can also be bronchial asthma. Accordingly, it is often not easy to classify the complaints properly. On the occasion of today's World Asthma Day, experts from all over the world explain what a chronic, inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract is recognizable.

Chronic inflamed bronchial mucosa causes hypersensitive airways
Constant coughing, difficulty breathing and tightness of the chest: Often, symptoms like this are thought to be a temporary flu infection. However, it may also be a warning sign for bronchial asthma, wherein u.a. Tough mucus and an onset of respiratory distress are further typical features. "In asthmatics, the bronchial mucosa is permanently inflamed. This makes the respiratory tract hypersensitive, "explains Sonja Lämmel of the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB) to the news agency" dpa ".

Accordingly, "sufferers just then get bad air when smoked, high humidity prevails or someone carries a lot of perfume."

Symptoms of a "common cold" subsided after one to two weeks
Whether it is a "normal" influenza infection or asthma is partly not obvious even to experts at first glance. However, information on the duration of the complaints provides information, because with a cold they are gone, according to Lämmel, after one or two weeks. On the other hand, those who suffer from the typical symptoms for more than 14 days should consult a doctor, for example, to check whether asthma is present by means of a lung function test.

Emotional stress can trigger asthma attacks
As the German Allergy and Asthma Association informs, "a distinction is made between allergic (extrinsic) and non-allergic (intrinsic) asthma, mixed forms being possible as well". In the former case, allergies are usually the causative factors for their development, such as house dust mites, animal hair, pollen or mold fungi. In adults, so-called "occupational allergens" also play an important role; Bakers, farmers or cleaning staff. Non-allergic asthma, on the other hand, is "often favored by infections, and in many cases sinusitis, nasal polyps, or acetylsalicylic acid intolerance (" ASD intolerance ") would be present in those affected." In addition, there would be other risk factors such as the weather, chemical irritants, and emotional stress that can trigger asthma attacks or exacerbate existing asthmatic symptoms.

Asthmatics should pay attention to warning signs of the body
If an asthma disease is already known, however, sufferers would not have to surrender to a "seizure", but instead could actively counteract this, continues the DAAB. However, for this, it is necessary for patients to know their body well and to learn to pay attention to warning signs of an impending attack. These include, but are not limited to, a decrease in exercise capacity (such as climbing stairs or exercising), increased respiratory distress, especially at night and after exercise, and increased cough with sputum. Falling or fluctuating "peak flow readings" could also signal an asthma attack, as well as signs of an infection or increased use of the emergency spray.

"Global Initiative for Asthma "initiates World Asthma Day on May 5
Despite intensive research, there is still no way to completely cure asthma. Nevertheless, the disease is usually treatable by medication. The main aim of this is to reduce chronic inflammation and narrowing of the respiratory tract and to reduce bronchial hypersensitivity. In addition to supportive, non-drug measures such. Special patient training is used in which patients learn to be able to better assess the warning signs of the body. Also, physical training or smoking cessation are offered, are often helpful also different relaxation and breathing techniques to achieve a better management of the disease and better quality of life again. To increase awareness of asthma worldwide and to improve the care of those affected, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) organizes the annual World Asthma Day, which will take place today, May 5, under the motto "You can improve your asthma control "takes place. (No)

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