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Asthma is a public health problem worldwide. This is how it is defined by World Health Organization (WHO), which estimates that there are 235,000,000 people with the disease in the world. Many of these cases are not diagnosed, which means that millions of patients do not access treatment and this affects their quality of life. The specialists consulted agree that there are some myths about this respiratory pathology, for example, linked to inhaled medication, which some relate to addictive behavior. Another fear is whether or not suffering from this pathology cancels out the possibility of doing physical exercise. While other frequent doubts are whether asthma is a disease “from birth” and whether or not asthmatic episodes have a psychological component that triggers them.
To explain it simply, bronchial asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system that affects the bronchi, which are the tubes that carry air to the lungs. It is characterized by inflammation of the airways, causing recurrent episodes of difficulty breathing, wheezing (squeaky sounds when breathing), chest tightness, and cough. These symptoms are usually triggered by exposure to certain factors such as allergens, air irritants, physical exercise, or changes in weather. Asthma can range in severity, from mild and sporadic cases to more severe and persistent forms that require ongoing medical treatment.
The data available in Argentina corresponds to 2015 and indicates that there were 939,580 people between 20 and 44 years old with asthma. That year, 44 people died locally after an asthma attack.
Ramiro Heredia, clinical doctor at the Hospital de Clínicasexplains that it is not a congenital disease, although genes are very important in the development of asthma. The professional argues that it is a pathology that occurs when a genetically predisposed person is exposed to different environmental factors.
“That is, one is born, in some cases, with a genetic predisposition, but different environmental factors cause the disease to express itself. Studies in twins, or in families of people with asthma, show a range of inheritance from 25% to 80%. When only one parent has asthma, the risk of a child having the disease is 25% to 50%, and this can rise to 75% if both parents have the disease. Asthma can develop at any age. It is a very common childhood pathology, although it often improves during puberty and sometimes the symptoms return in adulthood,” describes Heredia.
The classic symptoms of asthma are wheezing or wheezing that is heard in the chest with breathing movements or coughing, which generally worsens at night or appears during physical exercise.
“These symptoms appear and disappear when the trigger that precipitated them is removed, or with asthma medications. Among the characteristic triggers that trigger respiratory symptoms are exercise, cold air, exposure to inhalation allergens, such as pollen and mites; certain foods and different viral infections. The symptoms generate a lot of anxiety in those who suffer from them and this anxiety can worsen the condition. So, sometimes, stress is added to this list, although by itself it is not enough. There must always be some additional element that triggers the episode,” highlights Heredia.
Marcela Smurra, pulmonologist at the Caseros Model Sanatorium, highlights that “the main myth” about asthma is linked to inhaled medication.
“This is the mainstay of treatment and avoids the use of oral corticosteroids. Patients often relate inhalation use to having addictive behavior. It is important to explain that this is a chronic treatment with topical medication and not an addiction, and that the topical corticosteroid in inhalation medication does not have the same adverse effects as in general. Another myth has to do with bronchodilators. It is important to know that these are not the central treatment. These medications can be used as a rescue, but they are not recommended permanently,” the specialist clarifies.
Another common question that arises for Smurra in the office is whether the patient should stop physical activity due to asthma. However, the specialist indicates that The well-treated person can carry out physical activity even in areas of competence.
“Of course, it requires well-adjusted treatment, recognition of the situation regarding exercise, and agreeing with the doctor on medication reinforcements that may be required in exercise-induced asthma,” adds Smurra.
Finally, it highlights that “another myth” is believe that a patient with asthma does not need protection against respiratory viruses or bacteria. “Asthmatics should receive antiviral and pneumococcal vaccines and, of course, keep vaccination up to date against coronavirus“says the specialist.
