Asthma is a long-term condition that causes inflammation and narrows the airways in the lungs, which can make it harder for the affected person to breathe. People with asthma may experience symptoms like wheezing, persistent coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, which can range from mild and occasional to severe and frequent. In some cases, severe incidents may require urgent medical attention.
In the Philippines, asthma is more common than many might realize. According to the National Nutrition and Health Survey, about 1 in 10 Filipino children are affected by asthma—a figure that likely underestimates the real numbers across all age groups. That’s why anyone living with asthma or caring for someone who does can benefit from learning as much as they can about the condition.
At Southstar Drug, we understand that health concerns like asthma call for both reliable medications and trusted guidance, which is why we’re here to support you every step of the way. This guide aims to provide a clear and practical overview of asthma to help you better understand what it is, what can make it worse, and how you can manage it effectively.
What Is Asthma and What Causes It?
Asthma is more than just an occasional struggle to breathe. It’s a chronic inflammatory condition that affects how your airways function on a daily basis. The airways of a person with asthma are often sensitive and overreact to certain stimuli, which results in swelling, tightening of the muscles around the airways, and increased mucus production. The result? Restricted airflow and difficulty breathing.
While anyone can develop asthma, some people are more likely to experience it due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors. If you have a family history of asthma, eczema, or other allergic conditions, you may be more prone to developing asthma yourself. Additionally, infections during early childhood, especially those that affect the respiratory system, can influence lung development and contribute to asthma later in life.
Other common factors linked to the development of asthma include long-term contact with smoke, dust, chemicals, or air pollution, as well as being in jobs that involve regular exposure to cleaning agents, construction dust, or industrial chemicals.
Asthma Triggers and How They Work
Living with asthma means learning to identify what sets off your symptoms. These triggers don’t cause asthma itself, but they can prompt an episode or make your condition harder to control. When your airways are already inflamed or sensitive, certain exposures can quickly lead to coughing, wheezing, or breathlessness.
Triggers vary from person to person, so pay attention to what seems to make your symptoms worse. Some people may react strongly to allergens, while others are more sensitive to weather conditions or stress. Once you recognize your unique set of triggers, you’ve already taken an important step toward keeping asthma in check.
The following are some of the most common asthma triggers:
- Airborne allergens – Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and cockroach droppings are frequent culprits.
- Air pollution and irritants – Smoke (including cigarette smoke), vehicle exhaust, strong odors, and chemical fumes can irritate the lungs and aggravate asthma.
- Weather conditions – Cold air, humidity, and sudden changes in temperature may prompt asthma symptoms.
- Physical activity – Exercise can trigger symptoms, especially in dry or cold air, a condition known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
- Respiratory infections – The common cold, the flu, and other viral illnesses are a common cause of flare-ups.
- Stress and strong emotions – Anxiety or excitement can lead to faster breathing, which may trigger symptoms in some individuals.
- Certain medications – Aspirin, NSAIDs, and beta-blockers can cause problems for some people with asthma.
Once you understand which triggers apply to you, you can take steps to avoid or manage them. That might mean using air filters at home, pre-medicating before exercise, or regularly taking antihistamines before going out.
Approaches for Treating and Managing Asthma
Successful asthma management typically involves combining medical treatment with daily habits that reduce your risk of flare-ups. Most people use both quick-relief medication and long-term maintenance therapy. The former are designed to provide fast-acting support during an asthma attack or when symptoms suddenly get worse. Long-term control medications, on the other hand, are taken daily to reduce inflammation and prevent future attacks. The right plan helps prevent symptoms before they start and keeps you in control even when something unexpected comes up.
The most common methods for treating asthma around the world include the following:
- Quick-relief inhalers – These include short-acting bronchodilators like salbutamol (commonly known by the brand Ventolin), which work within minutes to open the airways.
- Inhaled corticosteroids – Taken regularly to reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent symptoms.
- Combination inhalers – Contain both a corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator for more comprehensive daily control.
- Leukotriene modifiers – Oral medications that help reduce inflammation and are often used alongside inhalers.
- Biologic therapies – For severe or uncontrolled asthma, biologics target specific immune responses that trigger symptoms.
Lifestyle changes can also make a big difference. Avoiding known triggers, keeping your home environment clean, monitoring your symptoms, and following your prescribed treatment plan all improve your control over your condition.
The better you understand asthma, the easier it will be to manage, whether you're living with the condition or supporting someone who is. When you're ready to stock up on asthma care essentials or get guidance from a trusted pharmacist, you can always count on Southstar Drug to be there for you.
