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What Body Systems Are Affected by Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your ability to breathe. Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing are common asthma symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an asthma attack or episode can affect your respiratory system, immune system and nervous system 1.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Attack Triggers
Emotions, tobacco smoke, infections, weather, exercise and a variety of allergens such as:
- pollen
- dust mites can cause you to wheeze
You can prevent attacks by understanding your triggers and taking steps to avoid them whenever possible.
Respiratory System
Foods to Avoid When Asthmatic
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The respiratory system of an asthmatic is more sensitive than that of a non-asthmatic to environmental irritants. When in contact with a trigger, the airways narrow and make it difficult to breathe.
Immune System
Your immune system helps your body fight germs. According to the National Institute of Health, asthma can cause your immune system to respond sensitively to substances that would be harmless to those without asthma 2.
Nervous System
Antihistamines for Asthma
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According to Johns Hopkins University, research indicates that asthma can affect your nervous system. A nerve growth factor--a nervous system protein--has been found to increase sensitivity to irritants among people suffering from asthma and allergies.
Management
Asthma is an incurable disease. However, it can be properly managed with medications. Quick-relief inhalers can be used to control symptoms. Long-term medications are used to prevent symptoms from occurring. Consult your doctor about the right medicines to help you live a normal, active life with asthma.
- Asthma is an incurable disease.
- However, it can be properly managed with medications.
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References
- Centers for Disease Control
- National Institute of Health
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma facts and figures. Updated June 2019.
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Allergic asthma. Updated September 2015.
- American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Nonallergic asthma.
- Leynaert B, Sunyer J, Garcia-Esteban R, et al. Gender differences in prevalence, diagnosis and incidence of allergic and non-allergic asthma: a population-based cohort. Thorax. 2012;67(7):625–631. doi:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2011-201249
- Côté A, Turmel J, Boulet LP. Exercise and asthma. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2018;39(1):19-28. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1606215
- Vandenplas O, Suojalehto H, Cullinan P. Diagnosing occupational asthma. Clin Exp Allergy. 2017;47(1):6-18. doi:10.1111/cea.12858
- Niimi A. Cough and asthma. Curr Respir Med Rev. 2011;7(1):47–54. doi:10.2174/157339811794109327
- Lo PC, Tsai YT, Lin SK, Lai JN. Risk of asthma exacerbation associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in childhood asthma: A nationwide population-based cohort study in Taiwan. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95(41):e5109. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000005109
- Sutherland ER. Nocturnal asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005;116(6):1179–1187. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2005.09.028
- Wadhwa R, Dua K, Adcock IM, Horvat JC, Kim RY, Hansbro PM. Cellular mechanisms underlying steroid-resistant asthma. Eur Respir Rev. 2019;28(153) doi:10.1183/16000617.0096-2019
- Zhang Y, Leung DY, Goleva E. Anti-inflammatory and corticosteroid-enhancing actions of vitamin D in monocytes of patients with steroid-resistant and those with steroid-sensitive asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014;133(6):1744-52.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2013.12.004
- Cleveland Clinic. Wheezing. Updated June 30, 2017.
- Mokoka MC, Ullah K, Curran DR, O'connor TM. Rare causes of persistent wheeze that mimic poorly controlled asthma. BMJ Case Rep. 2013;2013. doi:10.1136/bcr-2013-201100
- Bonini M, Polange P. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction: new evidence in pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment Asthma Research and Practice, 2015, 1:2.
- Dicpinigaitis PV. Chronic Cough Due to Asthma: ACCP Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines.
- O'Byrne, P. Patient Information. Exercise-Induced Asthma.
- Tan NC, Nadkarni NV, Lye WK, et al. Ten-year longitudinal study of factors influencing nocturnal asthma symptoms among Asian patients in primary care. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med. 2015; 25: 15064.
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