Triggers of Asthma and Treatment Options

/ Blogs / By
  • Describe causes of Upper respiratory infections and drug therapy
  • Discuss triggers of asthma and treatment options
  • Discuss corticosteroids
  • Describe chronic bronchitis and treatment options

At least 500 words, formatted and cited in the current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.

triggers of asthma and treatment options

Upper Respiratory Infections: Causes and Drug Therapy

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are among the most common infectious diseases, primarily affecting the nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx. The major causes of URIs are viral pathogens such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and respiratory syncytial viruses. In some cases, bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes can also contribute to these infections. URIs can be triggered by direct contact with infected individuals, poor hygiene, or weakened immune systems.

Drug Therapy for URIs primarily focuses on symptomatic relief as most are viral in origin, making antibiotics ineffective unless there is a bacterial component. Common treatments include:

  1. Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine to relieve nasal congestion.
  2. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine to alleviate runny nose and sneezing.
  3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen for pain and fever reduction.
  4. In cases of bacterial infection, antibiotics such as amoxicillin may be prescribed. However, inappropriate use of antibiotics can contribute to resistance, so it’s crucial to confirm bacterial involvement before prescribing them (Singh et al., 2019).

Triggers of Asthma and Treatment Options

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Common triggers include:

  • Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
  • Environmental factors like cold air, smoke, pollution, and strong odors.
  • Exercise and physical activity, especially in cold or dry environments.
  • Respiratory infections such as colds or flu.
  • Stress and strong emotions, which can also induce bronchoconstriction (Global Initiative for Asthma, 2022).

Asthma treatment involves both long-term control and quick-relief medications:

  1. Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide, fluticasone) are the most effective for reducing inflammation and preventing asthma exacerbations.
  2. Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) such as salmeterol are often used in combination with corticosteroids for long-term control.
  3. Leukotriene modifiers like montelukast can help reduce airway inflammation and are often used for allergy-induced asthma.
  4. Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) such as albuterol provide quick relief from acute symptoms by relaxing bronchial muscles.
  5. For severe cases, biologic therapies (e.g., omalizumab) target specific components of the immune response, such as immunoglobulin E (IgE), reducing allergic asthma attacks (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2020).

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. They are widely used in treating inflammatory diseases, including asthma, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. Corticosteroids can be administered orally, inhaled, or through injections.

  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), such as fluticasone and budesonide, are first-line therapies for managing chronic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as they effectively reduce airway inflammation with fewer systemic side effects.
  • Systemic corticosteroids, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone, are used for acute exacerbations or when symptoms cannot be controlled by inhaled forms. However, long-term use can lead to significant side effects, including weight gain, osteoporosis, hypertension, and increased risk of infections (Barnes, 2019).

Chronic Bronchitis and Treatment Options

Chronic bronchitis, a form of COPD, is characterized by persistent inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to excessive mucus production, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Smoking is the leading cause of chronic bronchitis, but long-term exposure to air pollutants, dust, and toxic fumes can also contribute to the disease. Chronic bronchitis typically progresses slowly, and over time, it leads to reduced lung function and impaired quality of life.

The treatment of chronic bronchitis focuses on relieving symptoms, improving lung function, and preventing exacerbations. Key treatment options include:

  1. Bronchodilators such as albuterol (short-acting) or tiotropium (long-acting) help relax airway muscles, making breathing easier.
  2. Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the airways and decrease the frequency of exacerbations.
  3. Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (e.g., roflumilast) are sometimes used in severe cases to decrease inflammation and mucus production.
  4. Oxygen therapy may be required for patients with advanced chronic bronchitis to ensure adequate oxygenation of tissues.
  5. Smoking cessation is critical to slow disease progression and improve treatment outcomes. Pulmonary rehabilitation, which includes exercise training and nutrition advice, can also improve the quality of life and physical endurance of individuals with chronic bronchitis (Vestbo et al., 2019).

In conclusion, upper respiratory infections, asthma, and chronic bronchitis are all conditions related to respiratory health, and their management involves a combination of pharmacological therapies and lifestyle interventions. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to improving patient outcomes and preventing complications.

References

Barnes, P. J. (2019). Corticosteroids: Current and future directions. British Journal of Pharmacology, 176(10), 1375-1379. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.14482

Global Initiative for Asthma. (2022). Global strategy for asthma management and prevention. Retrieved from https://ginasthma.org/gina-reports/

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). Asthma Care Quick Reference: Diagnosing and Managing Asthma. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/all-publications-and-resources/asthma-care-quick-reference

Singh, M., Pai, M., & Kumar, M. (2019). Upper respiratory tract infections: Epidemiology, diagnosis, and management. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 149(1), 54-60. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_567_18

Vestbo, J., Hurd, S. S., Agusti, A. G., Jones, P. W., Vogelmeier, C., Anzueto, A., … & Rodriguez-Roisin, R. (2019). Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: GOLD executive summary. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 187(4), 347-365. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201204-0596PP

Scroll to Top