Dr. Ngo Tran Quang Minh, medical director and head of the general internal medicine department at Tam Anh General Hospital in District 8, stated that asthma, a chronic inflammatory respiratory condition, often flares up or worsens with changing weather, cold temperatures, or erratic rainfall and sunshine. It's a common condition, and many stroke patients admitted to the hospital have underlying asthma.

When exposed to triggers like weather changes, asthma can cause swelling, bronchial constriction, and increased mucus production, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. The disease causes chronic inflammation in the airways. During its onset and progression, the body releases inflammatory mediators like cytokines, interleukins, and TNF-α into the bloodstream, affecting the entire body.

"This inflammatory response directly impacts the vascular system, damaging the inner lining of blood vessels," Dr. Minh explained. Inflammatory cells then adhere to the vessel walls, promoting the formation of plaque, narrowing the arteries, and increasing the risk of blood clots. This is a key mechanism that elevates the risk of stroke in individuals with asthma.

Acute asthma attacks also reduce blood oxygen levels, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood to the brain. Simultaneously, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, causing a sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure. When this happens repeatedly, it puts a significant strain on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, increasing the risk of stroke. Many patients use corticosteroids long-term to manage their asthma. If misused or not closely monitored, these medications can cause fluid retention, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia – all major risk factors for stroke.

Dr. Quang Minh examines a patient with asthma. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Quang Minh examines a patient with asthma. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

According to Dr. Minh, older asthma patients with comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol are at even greater risk of stroke. While comprehensive research on stroke risk in Vietnamese asthma patients is lacking, a meta-analysis from the US National Library of Medicine, involving data from over 3 million people, found that asthma patients have a 34% higher risk of stroke compared to those without the condition.

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease, and both patients and many doctors often focus on the symptoms of coughing and shortness of breath. However, the inflammatory responses in asthma extend beyond the airways, silently damaging blood vessels and posing an often-overlooked stroke risk.

Mr. Thinh, a 61-year-old from TP HCM, has a long history of asthma. During a recent acute asthma attack, he suddenly experienced facial drooping, weakness on his right side, and difficulty speaking. He was rushed to Tam Anh General Hospital in District 8, where he was diagnosed with an acute stroke on a background of asthma and received immediate treatment. A CT scan revealed a nascent stroke, and he was given intravenous thrombolytic medication to restore blood flow to the affected area of his brain. Within two hours, Mr. Thinh regained consciousness, and his speech and weakness improved.

Dr. Minh advises asthma patients to strictly adhere to their treatment plans, taking controller and preventative medications regularly, and never discontinuing them without consulting their doctor, even if symptoms subside. Abruptly stopping medication can cause airway re-inflammation, leading to acute asthma attacks or dangerous cardiovascular complications.

Patients should undergo general check-ups every 3-6 months for comprehensive monitoring. This includes pulmonary function tests, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, lipid panels, and electrocardiograms or echocardiograms as needed, to detect potential risks early and prevent stroke complications.

A doctor performs an echocardiogram on an asthma patient to check for cardiovascular complications and stroke risk. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

A doctor performs an echocardiogram on an asthma patient to check for cardiovascular complications and stroke risk. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Minh emphasizes that a healthy lifestyle is crucial for managing both asthma and stroke risk. Patients should limit salt intake, increase their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables for fiber, vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene – antioxidants that protect blood vessels. They should also limit alcohol and sugary drinks, quit smoking entirely, and avoid secondhand smoke. Regular exercise for 20-30 minutes daily, such as brisk walking, slow cycling, yoga, or swimming, is recommended. Strenuous activity should be avoided as it can trigger asthma attacks. Staying warm in cold environments is also essential. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on the heart and respiratory system.

Trong Nghia