2020 Edition Vol7 Issue 24 DIGITAL

HEALTH
ASTHMA
ATTACK:
Types, Causes,
Symptoms &
Treatments
By Samuel Ouma
Asthma is a chronic disease
that affects people of all ages,
sizes, colours. The common signs
are wheezing and a rattling sound
in the chest. Asthma often starts
in childhood but can also develop
in adults. Sometimes asthma can
be outgrown in the adult stage,
but it is not always the case.
Globally, approximately 235
million people are living with
asthma, according to the World
Health Organization Global
report 2018. About 250,000
asthma-related deaths are reported
annually, with 80 per cent of
deaths happening in lower and
middle-lower economic countries.
Deaths in poor countries are high due
to lack of modern health facilities and
poor government policies in handling
the scourge.
According to Medscape, the prevalence
of asthma increases in young people and
very old persons due to responsiveness
and lower levels of lung function.
The Medscape report indicates that
two-thirds of all asthma cases are
diagnosed before the patient is 18 and
Canada, Australia, England and New
Zealand among other industrialized
countries, have a prevalence rate
between 2-10 per cent. The trigger
factors are urbanization, air pollution,
environmental allergens and passive
smoking.
Classification Of Asthma
Asthma is classified by medical experts
based on severity and is determined by
symptoms. However, the classification
may change over time and a person
in any category can experience severe
asthma attacks.
1. Mild intermittent asthma
Occurs less than two times a week and
nighttime symptoms also happen less
than two times a month. Here attacks do
not interfere with daily activities.
2. Mild persistent asthma
Symptoms occur 3 to 6 times a week
and nighttime symptoms take place 3 to
4 times a month. Attacks interfere with
daily activities.
3. Moderate persistent asthma
Symptoms occur daily; daily activities
are interfered with, and night-time
symptoms appear more than once in a
week.
6
2020 Issue 24 SPECIAL EDITION Kata Kata cartoon magazine
4. Severe persistent asthma
There are often nighttime symptoms
and daily symptoms. Daily activities are
severely affected.
Types of asthma
There are numerous types of asthma
caused by many different triggers.
1. Occupational asthma
This type of asthma develops in
adulthood. It is caused by the kind
of work you do. For instance, if you
work in chemical industries, dust and
chemical odour is likely to trigger the
symptoms.
2. Allergic asthma
This is asthma, which is caused by
pollen, pets and dust mites.
3. Non-allergic asthma
It is caused by extreme weather or when
you are stressed or have a cold.
4. Seasonal asthma
This increases during a certain period
of the year such as during winter or
summer.
5. Status asthmaticus
This is prolonged asthma, which is
resistant to treatment
6. Adult-onset asthma
This type affects an individual at any
age, but it is common in people under
age 40.
7. Eosinophilic asthma
This is also called nighttime asthma.
Individuals suffering from nighttime
asthma are likely to have symptoms
during sleep because asthma is triggered
by the circadian cycle, sleep-wake cycle.
Studies show that most deaths related to
asthma occur at night due to exposure
to allergens, hormone secretion, cooling
of the airways and reclining position.
8. Aspirin-induced Asthma (AIA)
This occurs when a person with asthma
takes in aspirin.