Asthma: A medical overview
Overview:
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. It affects people of all ages and is influenced by genetic, environmental, and immunological factors.
Pathophysiology:
Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction. Inflammatory cells like eosinophils, mast cells, and T-lymphocytes release mediators that cause smooth muscle contraction, increased mucus secretion, and airway remodeling over time. There can be a variety of triggering factors of asthma including allergens (like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites), irritants (like smoke or strong odors), infections, exercise, or even emotional stress.
Signs and Symptoms:
Typical symptoms include:-
► Shortness of breath.
► Wheezing (especially on exhalation).
► Chest tightness.
► Persistent or night time cough.
► Increased respiratory effort or fatigue during physical activity, etc.
Symptoms may worsen with allergens, cold air, exercise, or respiratory infections.
Diagnostic Approach:
Diagnosis is primarily clinical. It is also supported by few investigations like:-
• Spirometry: Measures airflow limitation and reversibility with bronchodilators.
• Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF): Useful for monitoring daily variability.
• Methacholine Challenge Test: Assesses airway hyperresponsiveness.
• Allergy Testing & IgE Levels: To identify triggering factors in allergic asthma, etc.
Complications:
If uncontrolled, asthma may lead to verious type complications like:-
♦ Frequent hospitalizations.
♦ Decreased quality of life.
♦ Airway remodeling and chronic obstruction.
♦ Acute severe asthma (status asthmaticus), which can be life-threatening, etc.
Recent Research Data:
According to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2024, over 262 million people worldwide are affected, with rising incidence in urban areas. According to the 'National Institute of Health' (NIH), although medicines used by allopaths in the treatment of asthma is effective, has significant amount of side effects like, increased heart rate, headaches, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, tremors, and skin rash, etc. That's why using those medicines for longer period of time may cause some adverse effect towards the quality of life. With the better realisation of genetics, hyperresponsiveness to an allergen, and Patho physiology of chronic inflammation happening in airways , the efficacy of augmented homeopathy increased and changes the dynamics of Asthma treatment for future. Apart from medication AI-assisted symptom tracking are emerging in personalized asthma care.
Conclusion:
Asthma remains a significant global health issue with a complex interplay of factors. Early diagnosis, trigger identification, proper use of augmented homeopathy and adherence to treatment are crucial. Advances in homeopathy and digital health tools offer new hope in managing this chronic respiratory disease effectively.
An article by, Team DNC ACADEMY.
Edited by, Dr. Soumallya Chattopadhyay.