Asthma

Symptoms & Types

Asthma: Signs and Types

As a chronic inflammation of the airways, bronchial asthma results from hypersensitivity of the bronchi (branching airways). The swollen bronchial lining produces large amounts of thick mucus. This leads to narrowed airways and constricted respiratory muscles.

Typical Asthma Symptoms

Both muscle spasms in the airways and narrowing of the bronchi can cause shortness of breath and asthma attacks. Excess mucus often triggers coughing. Breathing may produce characteristic wheezing sounds due to narrowed airways and makes exhalation particularly difficult.

Many patients also experience a feeling of tightness in the chest. These symptoms can lead to restlessness or even anxiety. The strain of breathing and muscle tension often results in fatigue.

Two Main Types of Asthma

Allergies—overreactions of the immune system—are common contributors to asthma. Allergic and non-allergic asthma often occur together rather than separately.

Extrinsic Asthma: Allergy-Related
Extrinsic asthma is triggered by allergic reactions caused by an overactive immune system. It is closely related to conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), as both are classified as atopic diseases. Triggers include substances like pollen or pet dander. This form is more common in children.

Intrinsic Asthma: Non-Allergic
Intrinsic asthma is usually seen in adults over the age of 30 and is not caused by allergies. Symptoms often appear after a respiratory infection that damages the bronchial lining. This can make the airways more sensitive to irritants such as cigarette smoke or cold air.

Medications

Many Symptom Patterns – One Core Strategy

Asthma varies from patient to patient, but treatment generally follows the same principles: widening the airways and reducing inflammation.

Short-term relief medications (relievers) are used during acute attacks. For more severe or persistent cases, long-term control medications (controllers) are prescribed to keep symptoms under control.

Inhalation is the most common and effective method for delivering both relievers and controllers.

Bronchodilators

Airway widening is primarily achieved with beta-2 agonists, which are used for both maintenance and rescue therapy. These drugs mimic natural substances in the body that relax airway muscles, resulting in improved breathing.

Other options include phosphodiesterase inhibitors and anticholinergics, which help reduce airway constriction.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Inflammation is reduced using glucocorticoids (corticosteroids), which help decrease swelling of the bronchial lining.

Additional options include:

• Mast cell stabilizers, which reduce allergic reactions

• Leukotriene receptor antagonists, which block substances that promote inflammation

Treatment Approaches

Asthma Treatment Options

Effective treatment depends on the individual severity and type of asthma. In addition to medication, breathing and relaxation techniques can be beneficial.

Breathing exercises help patients learn techniques and postures that make breathing easier. Specialized training can strengthen respiratory muscles and improve breathing patterns, including diaphragmatic breathing and chest expansion.

Desensitization for Extrinsic Asthma

Desensitization (allergen immunotherapy) is used for allergic asthma. The goal is to reduce the immune system’s overreaction by gradually exposing the body to increasing amounts of allergens. Over time, this can reduce or eliminate symptoms.

Allergens are typically administered as injections under the skin or as drops/tablets under the tongue. This approach is especially beneficial for younger patients with mild symptoms.

Asthma and Exercise

Exercise as Therapy

Regular physical activity can improve quality of life, enhance lung function, and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.

Treatment plans are usually tailored individually by patients and their healthcare providers. Suitable activities often include swimming, water aerobics, volleyball, tennis, or similar sports.