Asthma (bronchial asthma) is
Asthma (bronchial asthma) is a disease in which chronic inflammation occurs in the airways, causing the airways to become narrower, resulting in symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.
The airways become sensitive due to inflammation, and when exposed to stimuli such as mites, house dust, pollen, colds, exercise, or changes in temperature, they narrow, causing wheezing, a hissing sound when breathing (stridor), and shortness of breath and coughing.
Asthma is often thought of as a childhood disease, but it is not uncommon for it to develop in adulthood. In addition, even when symptoms subside, they can recur, making continuous management important.
The main symptoms of asthma include the following:
- WheezingWhen you breathe, there is a whistling or hissing sound.
- Difficulty breathing: It's hard to breathe, and I feel like my chest is being squeezed.
- 咳In particular, coughing becomes more frequent and persistent during the night or early morning hours.
- Changes in symptomsSymptoms can change from good to bad and even from season to season or environment to environment.
In addition, there are also many people who have co-occurring allergic rhinitis, hay fever, and atopic dermatitis.
If cough is the main symptom and it is not accompanied by wheezing or obvious shortness of breath, there is a possibility of "cough-wheezing asthma". For more information, please see the "Treatment of Persistent Cough" page.
In such cases, seek medical attention.
- When I breathe, I hear a hissing and a hissing sound.
- You feel tightness or pressure in your chest
- Coughing and difficulty breathing occur at night or early in the morning
- Coughing occurs due to exercise, cold air, dust, etc.
- When you catch a cold, your cough and wheezing tend to last longer.
- I was previously diagnosed with asthma and recently my symptoms have reappeared.
Especially in cases where breathing is difficult, conversations are difficult, and you cannot lie down, there is a possibility of a severe asthma attack, so prompt emergency medical care is required.
Tests performed at our clinic
We will thoroughly examine the time of day or circumstances when symptoms appear, the frequency of attacks, the presence of allergies, and your previous treatment history to assess the possibility of asthma.
If necessary, we will perform the following tests:
- blood testWe check the number of eosinophils and whether there is an allergic condition, and if necessary, we examine the allergen responsible.
- Phlegm testing (test of phlegm)If necessary, we will examine for any inflammation or infection in the airways.
- Chest X-ray：Check to see if any respiratory diseases other than asthma are hidden.
In the diagnosis of asthma, lung function tests (spirometry) that check for airway narrowing and its changes are also important. If specialized testing is necessary, we will refer you to the appropriate medical institution.
medical treatment
In the treatment of asthma, it is important to prevent attacks and maintain symptom-free status. Treatment focuses on suppressing inflammation in the airways and adjusts medications based on symptoms and severity.
- Preventive treatment for seizuresWe primarily use inhaled steroids, but if necessary, we may combine them with bronchodilators and leukotriene receptor antagonists.
- Seizure treatmentUse immediate-release inhalers and, if symptoms are severe, treat with systemic steroids or other medications. In severe cases, treatment is required in a specialized medical facility.
- Management in daily lifeIt is also important to take measures to prevent allergens such as dust mites and house dust, to quit smoking, to prevent infections, and to treat allergies such as hay fever.
Although asthma symptoms may subside, inflammation in the airways may remain, so it is important to not interrupt treatment on your own and to continue managing it on a regular basis.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is it possible to develop asthma after becoming an adult?
A. Yes. Asthma can occur not only during childhood but also after adulthood. If you have never been diagnosed with asthma before, please consult us if you experience recurring wheezing or shortness of breath.
Q. Is there any chance of asthma even with just a cough?
A. Yes. In asthma, coughing may be the main symptom. There is also a condition called “asthmatic cough” where there is no cough with wheezing or shortness of breath, but only coughing itself continues.
Q. Can asthma be cured?
A. With appropriate treatment, many people can control their symptoms well. However, even after symptoms disappear, they may recur and long-term management may be necessary.
Q. Can I stop using the inhaler once the symptoms disappear?
A. Even if symptoms improve, inflammation of the airways may remain. If you decide to stop on your own, it may worsen again, so it is important to consult a doctor and adjust the treatment plan together.