Causes of Bronchial Asthma

Written by Wei Shi Liang
Intensive Care Unit
Updated on September 15, 2024
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The most common cause of bronchial asthma is inhalants, which are mainly found in daily life, such as dust mites, pollen, fungi, and some irritating and toxic gases, all of which may irritate the airways and cause asthma. Infections are closely related to the occurrence of asthma, and respiratory infections such as viruses, bacteria, and mycoplasma can all trigger asthma. Additionally, certain specific foods, such as fish, shrimp, crab, milk, and eggs, may cause asthma in certain groups of people. Factors such as the patient's mental state, changes in the climate, and intense exercise are also possible causes of bronchial asthma. These are the most common causes of bronchial asthma onset.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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The difference between bronchial asthma and pulmonary emphysema.

Bronchial asthma and emphysema are two different diseases. Bronchial asthma typically manifests as episodic coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing. Patients often develop this condition in childhood and adolescence, and it is relatively rare in the elderly. Emphysema, on the other hand, is often related to long-term smoking and is usually seen in middle-aged and older patients. Early stages of emphysema may only be evident on a chest CT and may not show significant symptoms of chest tightness. However, as the disease progresses, patients often experience noticeable chest tightness and difficulty breathing, and the condition tends to progressively worsen. Patients typically eventually develop complications such as chronic respiratory failure and chronic pulmonary heart disease. Therefore, the characteristics of bronchial asthma and emphysema are different. However, it is important to note that in patients with bronchial asthma, if the condition is not controlled and continues to progress, it might also lead to the development of emphysema, chronic respiratory failure, pulmonary heart disease, and other related conditions.

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Written by Han Shun Li
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Bronchial asthma auscultation characteristics

During a recurrence of bronchial asthma, symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing occur. During an attack, the patient's chest often appears hyperinflated. Upon auscultation, scattered or diffuse wheezing sounds can be heard, primarily during expiration, and the expiration phase is also prolonged. However, in some severe asthma cases, wheezing sounds may not be present, a condition referred to as "silent chest," which should be noted. If an asthma attack cannot be relieved, it is important to seek medical attention promptly for management by a doctor.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Can bronchial asthma be inherited?

The etiology of asthma is still very unclear, but genetics may indeed be related to bronchial asthma to some extent. Currently, a lot of research data indicates that the incidence rate of bronchial asthma is higher among the relatives of patients than in the general population, and the closer the familial relationship, the higher the incidence rate and potentially more severe the condition could be. In layman's terms, this means that if our parents have bronchial asthma, then the likelihood of their children having bronchial asthma is higher than in the general population. However, this is not absolute; it does not mean that if a parent has bronchial asthma, their children will definitely have it. The relationship is not very certain, and the genes related to bronchial asthma are also not very clear at present. Bronchial asthma is also related to many other factors.

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Written by Zeng Xiang Bo
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Is bronchial asthma serious?

The symptoms of bronchial asthma vary from person to person, as does its severity. Some patients may have very mild symptoms, only showing slight chest tightness and mild coughing. Other patients may experience very severe symptoms such as respiratory failure, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, and sudden death. The clinical presentations are completely different. Therefore, bronchial asthma can be considered a suppressive disease, meaning everyone's symptoms are different, and one cannot generalize; most patients are relatively mild.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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Bronchial asthma needs attention

In clinical settings, bronchial asthma is mostly allergic asthma. Therefore, in terms of diet, attention should be paid to avoiding foods like fish, shrimp, chili peppers, and other foods that are likely to trigger allergies. Instead, consume more bland, soft, and easily digestible foods. Regular physical exercise should also be performed, especially outdoor aerobic and endurance exercises, to enhance the body's immune capabilities. Furthermore, during the flu season or the pollen-heavy spring season, going outdoors should be avoided to prevent triggering asthma attacks. It is advisable to check for allergies to specific substances and avoid contact with them thereafter.