A Comprehensive Guide to Asthma’s Impact on the Respiratory System

1. Introduction

   1. Define Asthma

      Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the airway, resulting in recurrent and reversible episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Individuals with asthma experience a high level of sensitivity of the airway to various environmental triggers, leading to the narrowing and obstruction of the bronchial tubes.

      The constriction of the airway, along with increased production of mucus, contributes to difficulty in breathing, which may vary in severity from mild to severe.

      Asthma is a complex and multifactorial condition with both genetic and environmental influences, and effective management typically involves a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustment, and patient education. The symptoms experienced by people with asthma include:

      • Wheezing
      • Shortness of breath
      • Chronic coughing
      • Chest tightness or pain
      • Difficulty in sleeping due to coughing or wheezing

   2. Prevalence and Impact of Asthma on Global Health

      Asthma is a common respiratory condition that affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds worldwide. It is estimated in research that 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma.⁽¹⁾ The prevalence rate may vary among different regions and populations with a higher rate observed in urban areas and developed countries.

      Impact of Asthma on Global Health 

      • Asthma poses a significant burden on the healthcare system globally due to the need for regular medical consultations, emergency care, and ongoing management.
      • Asthma leads to significant morbidity, affecting the daily lives and productivity of individuals. Asthma-related deaths are relatively uncommon, severe exacerbation and complications can be life-threatening, emphasizing the importance of effective management.
      • Individuals with asthma may experience limitations in physical activities, disruption in sleep, and emotional distress, impacting the overall quality of life.
      • Due to asthma-related absenteeism from work or school there may be economic loss for individuals and society.
      • Asthma is influenced by environmental factors, including air pollution and allergens. Efforts to mitigate these factors not only benefit individuals with asthma but also contribute to broader environmental health goals.

      Asthma’s global prevalence and impact on health systems, individuals, and the economy underscore the importance of continued research, public health initiatives, and access to effective asthma management strategies to improve outcomes and reduce the overall burden of this respiratory condition.

2. How Does Asthma Affect the Lungs?

   Lungs play the role of taking in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide. In individuals with asthma, lungs may not function as they should. This may lead to several side effects. Asthma exacerbation can occur anytime in the day but mostly occurs at night.

   Asthma affects the lungs in the following ways: 

   • Swelling and Inflammation of Airway: Asthma is characterized by persistent inflammation of the airway.⁽²⁾ Inflammatory cells such as eosinophils and mast cells, infiltrate the airway walls. The release of inflammatory mediators contributes to the swelling and thickening of the airway lining. Whether it is short-term or long-term, inflammation of the airway may make it difficult to breathe.
   • Tightening of Muscles: Inflammation of the airway may cause the muscles around the airway to constrict, leading to the feeling of tightness in the chest during an asthma attack.
   • Increased Mucus Production: In response to inflammation, the epithelial cells in the airway produce excess mucus. This overproduction of mucus can lead to plugging of the airways further causing obstruction. Coughing is worse at night, as well as early in the morning⁽³⁾
   • Airflow Limitation: Asthma may affect the inhalation and exhalation phase of breathing. Reduced airflow during exhalation is a characteristic feature, leading to prolonged exhalation time. Constriction of the airway may increase the resistance to airflow. This may contribute to the sensation of chest tightness and difficulty in breathing.
   • Impact of Gas Exchange: The narrowing of the airway can impede the normal exchange of oxygen in the lungs. The individuals may find obtaining sufficient oxygen during inhalation difficult. In severe cases, carbon dioxide retention due to impaired exhalation may contribute to respiratory acidosis and further compromise lung function.

   Over time as the membrane thickens and airway remodeling occurs the lung changes may get irreversible. The effect of asthma on lungs is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies, aimed at reducing inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production thereby improving the respiratory function and overall quality of life of the individuals.

3. Effect of Asthma on Other Parts of the Respiratory System

   Asthma is primarily known to affect the lungs. However, the effect can extend beyond the lower respiratory tract or other parts of the respiratory system. 

   • Effect on Trachea: The trachea or windpipe is a smooth muscle that plays a role in the delivery of oxygen to the lungs. Asthma may cause inflammation and constriction of this key airway leading to breathing difficulty.
   • Dysfunction of Vocal Cords: The larynx or voice box is a small portion of the lower respiratory tract. It connects the throat to the windpipe. The larynx has vocal cords that create sound as air passes through them. Dysfunction of the vocal cord may be experienced in some people with asthma and this may lead to coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.
   • Effect on Throat: Right before an asthma attack there is a sensation of itching in the throat. This may cause an individual to cough more. Excess mucus build-up from asthma may cause a person to clear throat more than usual.
   • Mouth: Mouth is a passage from where oxygen can be received and carbon dioxide is expelled. Breathing may get difficult during an asthma attack. There may be shortness of breath and wheezing from the mouth. Also, asthma medications may cause dry mouth in some individuals.⁽⁴⁾
   • Nose: The nose is another passage for the in and outgoing of air from the lungs.⁽⁵⁾ Those with allergic rhinitis and asthma may experience additional symptoms along with shortness of breath including runny nose, nasal congestion, and postnasal drip.⁽⁶⁾

4. Effect of Asthma on Other Body Systems

   Asthma is known to be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD the stomach acid travels back to the esophagus leading to heartburn. This may even trigger asthma symptoms such as coughing.⁽¹¹⁾

   During a severe asthma attack, the body may not get enough oxygen needed by the body to function. This may cause potential damage to the organs relying on oxygen.⁽⁷⁾

   Researchers believe asthma increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A meta-analysis stated that females who have asthma at birth have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.⁽⁸⁾

5. How to Prevent the Effects of Asthma on Respiratory System

   Asthma has no cure, but the number of exacerbation and their effects on the respiratory system can be limited. According to a 2017 review, the effect on the respiratory system can be controlled in the following ways:⁽⁹⁾

   • Education: Having knowledge about asthma and how its exacerbations affect can help in controlling the condition.
   • Monitoring: Monitoring how the treatment is working can help healthcare professionals make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
   • Avoiding Triggers: Limiting exposure to triggers can help control asthma.
   • Medication: Quick and long-term relief medications help keep the symptoms and episodes under control. 

   Also, intense exercise triggers asthma in some individuals, but according to the American Association of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, exercise is beneficial for the lungs.⁽¹⁰⁾ Animal dander triggers asthma in some people, some of them can keep pets at home if the doctor helps them manage symptoms.

6. Conclusion 

   Asthma exerts a profound effect on the respiratory system and influences the structure and function of the lungs significantly. The chronic nature of asthma is characterized by persistent airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and heightened reactivity to triggers. These changes lead to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

   The effect of asthma on the lungs extends beyond acute episodes, leading to long-term consequences such as airway remodeling and chronic inflammation. Persistent inflammation leads to structure alternation. By addressing the root cause of inflammation, improving patient education, and encouraging global awareness, the burden of asthma can be minimized. This can enhance the quality of life for those affected.

   Those suspecting undiagnosed or uncontrolled asthma should speak with their doctor about the management and treatment that can effectively reduce the effects of asthma on the respiratory system and also reduce the related complications such as gastrointestinal reflux disease and cardiovascular diseases.

Also Read:

• Asthma: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Home Remedies, Prevention
• Can You Grow Out of Asthma?
• Ways to Treat Asthma Naturally
• What Causes Asthma Cough: It’s Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
• 7 Unexpected Asthma Triggers
• Ways to Manage Asthma Without Medications
• How Does Alcohol Affect Asthma?