If Left Untreated, 'Cheonsik' Causes Breathing Difficulties... How to Manage It for Life

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation and presents with various clinical symptoms. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Since continuous treatment is necessary, 'management' is more important than anything else.

The prevalence of asthma in Korea is about 3.4?4.7%. It is associated with the urbanization and westernization of lifestyle habits, and it is expected to continue increasing in the future.

Photo by Korea University Ansan Hospital

Asthma occurs due to a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. 25?80% of asthma patients have a family history. Environmental factors that trigger or worsen allergic asthma include allergens (house dust mites, pets, cockroaches, mold, etc.), infections, occupational sensitizers (substances that can cause asthma when exposed in the work environment), medications, smoking, indoor pollution, certain foods, or food additives. However, for non-allergic asthma, adult-onset asthma, asthma accompanied by persistent airflow limitation, and asthma with obesity, various pathophysiological mechanisms and biomarkers exist, so additional research is needed for accurate identification of causes.

Since it is difficult to diagnose asthma based on symptoms alone, pulmonary function tests and bronchial provocation tests are performed to confirm variable expiratory airflow limitation for diagnosis.

Asthma medications are divided into controllers and relievers.

Controllers are medications used daily over a long period to control asthma symptoms through anti-inflammatory effects, while relievers are medications that quickly dilate the airways to improve symptoms and are used only when needed. Drug treatment in asthma is very effective in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.

Along with this, reducing exposure to risk factors or avoiding them can improve asthma control, reduce medication use, and decrease exacerbations.

Photo by Yujin Kim, Professor of Pulmonology, Korea University Ansan Hospital (Provided by Korea University Ansan Hospital)

Professor Kim Yujin of the Department of Pulmonology at Korea University Ansan Hospital emphasized, "Although asthma is a chronic respiratory disease, it is reversible, so with appropriate treatment and management, symptoms and risks decrease, quality of life improves, and good prognosis is observed. Insufficient prevention and treatment, such as repeated discontinuation of medication, can lead not only to worsening of the disease but also to death, so treatment and risk factor management through consultation with a specialist are essential."