Allergic bronchial asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by prolonged inflammation of the airways, making them sensitive to environmental irritants. Triggers such as house dust, pollen, cold weather, tobacco smoke, or chemicals can cause the bronchial lining to swell, increase phlegm production, and lead to spasms. This results in persistent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
Associate Professor, Doctor Hoang Thi Lam, Head of the Clinical Immunology Department at Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, states that asthma is a chronic condition requiring long-term management. Many patients, however, self-discontinue medication after symptoms lessen for a few weeks or months. When asthma attacks return, they are often more severe than before, increasing the risk of acute episodes.
Another common mistake is the overuse of rescue medications. These drugs provide quick relief from shortness of breath, leading many patients to believe they only need to use them during an asthma attack. In reality, rescue medications do not address the chronic inflammation within the airways. According to Doctor Lam, without regular preventive treatment, the inflammatory response progresses silently, increasing the risk of recurrence.
Prolonged poor control can lead to a gradual decline in lung function over time. Patients often experience fatigue, reduced physical activity, and difficulty sleeping due to nocturnal coughing or shortness of breath. In children, persistent asthma also impacts eating, sleep, and physical development.
Frequent exposure to allergens also makes the condition difficult to stabilize. Common triggers include: dust mites in bedding, mold, pet dander, cigarette smoke, perfumes, or cleaning chemicals. Doctor Lam notes that many individuals experience nocturnal asthma attacks due to dust mite exposure in their bedding or suffer continuous relapses while living with pets in enclosed spaces, often without realizing the cause.
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Doctor Lam consults a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital
Self-medication also complicates asthma control. Many people experiencing coughs and wheezing immediately purchase antibiotics, even though most asthma attacks are not related to bacterial infections. The misuse of antibiotics does not improve the condition and can lead to digestive disorders, fatigue, or an increased risk of drug allergies.
Other instances, such as the prolonged misuse of oral or injected corticosteroids without specialist guidance, can lead to side effects like: weight gain, facial swelling, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, or adrenal insufficiency.
Beyond medication, lifestyle significantly impacts asthma control. Late nights, chronic stress, smoking, or frequent exposure to polluted environments all increase the risk of asthma attacks. Transitional seasons or sudden weather changes are also periods when the condition is more prone to flare-ups.
Doctor Lam advises individuals with asthma to adhere to their prescribed treatment regimen, attend regular check-ups, and never self-discontinue medication without a doctor's consent. Additionally, maintaining a well-ventilated living environment, minimizing dust, regularly cleaning bedding, and avoiding known asthma triggers are crucial.
A balanced diet, adequate sleep, appropriate exercise, and increased intake of green vegetables and vitamin C-rich fruits support respiratory health. If symptoms such as persistent coughing, recurrent wheezing, chest tightness, or nocturnal shortness of breath appear, patients should seek early medical evaluation and appropriate treatment to prevent dangerous complications.
Minh Huong
