New Advances in Asthma Treatment: What You Need to Know

What is Bronchial Asthma?

Bronchial asthma (often called asthma) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. It occurs due to airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and mucus production, leading to airflow obstruction.

Symptoms of Asthma (According to the American Lung Association and CDC)

• Wheezing (whistling sound when breathing)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Chronic coughing (often worse at night or early morning)
• Difficulty breathing during physical activity

Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening (asthma attack).

Diagnosis (Per Mayo Clinic and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – NHLBI)

• Medical history & physical exam
• Lung function tests (Spirometry, Peak flow test)
• Bronchoprovocation tests (assessing airway reactivity)
• Imaging (X-rays to rule out other conditions)
• Allergy testing (if allergic asthma is suspected)

Prevention Strategies (From American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology – AAAAI)

• Avoid triggers (smoke, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, pollution)
• Get vaccinated (flu & pneumonia shots to prevent respiratory infections)
• Monitor air quality (limit outdoor activity on high-pollution days)
• Follow an asthma action plan (developed with a doctor)

Treatment Options (Per NIH and Cleveland Clinic)

• Quick-relief medications (Short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol)
• Long-term control meds (Inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers)
• Biologics (For severe asthma, e.g., omalizumab)
• Bronchial thermoplasty (For severe, uncontrolled asthma)

Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Immediately

• Severe wheezing or breathlessness even after using an inhaler
• Blue lips or fingernails (sign of oxygen deprivation)
• Rapid worsening of symptoms
• Inability to speak in full sentences due to breathlessness
• No improvement after using rescue medication