If you have asthma, you may wonder if it has long-term effects on your lungs.
Inflammation from asthma may be accompanied by changes in the airway wall. These changes are most noticeable in asthma that is not properly treated.
However, it is possible to prevent lung damage, especially if you start treatment early and manage your symptoms well.
Asthma: Long-term effects
A 2017 study suggests that airway remodeling may lead to a loss of lung function over time. It may also affect how well asthma medication works.
The reshaping of the airways can also lead to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Asthma does not turn into COPD. (also known as COPD – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). But it is easier to develop it if you have your airways reshaped. from uncontrolled asthma.
People living with asthma and COPD together it is said that they have asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS – asthma-COPD overlap syndrome). It is possible to misdiagnose ACOS as either asthma or COPD, simply because the symptoms can be similar.
However, it is important to get ACOS diagnosed if you have it. Asthma and COPD have different treatments.
Other possible effects of asthma include:
- chronic sleep deprivation due to nighttime symptoms
- health effects of reduced physical activity
- developmental delays and learning difficulties in children
- difficulty in working for adults
- coughing fits
- respiratory failure
- pneumonia
Managing your asthma symptoms can slow down airway remodeling, reduce your chances of developing COPD and ACOS, and protect your lungs.
Although it may seem that asthma can affect you from time to time, you do have some control over your condition.
Asthma: 5 things you can do to keep your lungs healthy
Avoid environmental irritants
The air you breathe may contain asthma irritants that trigger attacks. However, not everyone is affected by the same triggers. If you can predict and avoid these factors in the atmosphere, you may be able to reduce the number of asthma attacks you experience.
Common factors that cause it include:
- cigarette smoke
- dust mites
- parasites
- pet hair
- mold
- household disinfectants
- indoor and outdoor pollution
The American Lung Association (ALA) describes lung inflammation from ozone inhalation like a bad sunburn on your lungs.
They recommend checking the air quality forecasts by the competent authorities in your area before planning outdoor work or exercise. Consider exercising indoors on days when air quality is poor.
In addition to being a cause of asthma, smoking is also a risk factor for COPD. If you smoke and can quit, you will automatically reduce your chances of developing ACOS.
Follow your medication regimen
A study conducted between 2011 and 2012 found that only 8.31% of people fully complied with their asthma medication. The term “compliance” refers to taking medication over a long period of time according to a healthcare professional's instructions, without missing any doses.
According to a 2019 review, the reasons why many people fail to do so are as follows:
- complexity of medication
- fear of side effects
- inhalation technique
- cost
- abstract
- misunderstood instructions
- denial about one's health condition
- unrealistic expectations
- dissatisfaction with the healthcare professional
- cultural or religious reasons
According to the same study, good compliance with asthma medication results in:
- positive health effects
- improvements in disease control
- reduced mortality
Prevention of respiratory infections
Respiratory infections can trigger asthma attacks and worsen symptoms. Avoiding infection protects your lungs.
Here are some steps you can take to prevent infection:
- get the flu shot
- stay away from crowded places during flu season
- wash your hands regularly
- brush your teeth at least twice a day
- avoid touching your face
Start self-care at the first signs of symptoms. Sometimes the signs of an infection can mimic those of asthma, such as coughing.
However, asthma does NOT cause:
- cold
- fever
- sore throat
- muscle aches
Knowing the differences between asthma symptoms and those of an infection will help you know when to stay home, drink extra fluids, and get the rest you need.
Exercise
Some people experience asthma symptoms when they exercise, so they avoid physical activity. But in doing so, they miss out on an excellent opportunity to improve their lung health.
Daily exercise has many benefits, according to the ALA. These include:
- increased lung capacity
- improved blood flow
- reduced airway inflammation
- higher durability and resistance
- supporting the immune system
If you have asthma attacks triggered by exercise, your doctor can help you determine the cause. For example, it may simply be a matter of physical fitness. If it is because your asthma is not being treated as well as it could be, a change in medication may help.
The ALA recommends the following exercise strategies:
- warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards
- cover your mouth and nose when exercising outside in cold weather
- Check the air quality before exercising outdoors and, if necessary, choose an indoor activity.
- stop immediately if you experience chest discomfort such as pain, coughing, or shortness of breath
- use your inhaler, sit down, and relax
If you have any health conditions, asthma or otherwise, it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting a new type of exercise.
Make dietary changes
The effect of diet on inflammation can affect the health of your lungs.
A 2020 study of 12,687 Spanish-speaking/Latino adults aged 18 to 74 found that a anti-inflammatory diet increased the likelihood of asthma, while a anti-inflammatory diet positively affected lung function.
Inflammation is not the only factor that influences the effect of nutrition on lung function. Nutrients such as carbohydrates use more oxygen and produce more carbon dioxide. This can make your lungs work harder. Therefore, reducing carbohydrates and replacing them with healthy fats can help you breathe more easily.
The ALA offers the following dietary advice:
- Vitamin D: Strengthens the immune system and reduces airway inflammation. The low levels have been linked to an increased likelihood of asthma attacks in both children and adults.
- Vitamin E: Contains tocopherol (tocopherol) which can help reduce wheezing and coughing.
Foods to avoid include:
- foods that cause gas, such as legumes, fried foods, and carbonated beverages, which can make breathing more difficult
- sulfurous: They are usually found in dried fruit, which can increase asthma symptoms
- salicylates, in brown, the tea, the herbs and the spices
