What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can make it difficult to breathe. It involves the inflammation of airways, causing them to narrow and produce excess mucus. People with asthma often experience episodes of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
According to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), an estimated 339 million people worldwide have asthma. It’s a condition that can develop at any age, but it often starts in childhood.
Asthma Triggers and Causes
Asthma can be triggered by various factors, including allergens, irritants, respiratory infections, and physical activity. Genetic factors may also play a role in the development of asthma, especially if there is a family history of the condition.
Common Asthma Triggers
Allergens
- Pollen from trees, grass, and weeds.
- Dust mites that live in house dust, beds, and couches.
- Pet fur from animals like cats, dogs, birds, and small pets.
- Mold spores that can grow both inside your house and outside.
Environmental Factors
- Cigarette smoke, even if you’re just around someone who’s smoking.
- Air pollution from cars, factories, and other places.
- Chemicals from cleaning supplies, paints, and stuff that smells strong.
- Perfumes and scented stuff like air fresheners and some beauty products.
Getting Sick
- Viruses that give you colds or the flu.
- Bacterial infections that can mess with your lungs and breathing.
- Getting sick a lot when you’re little might affect how your lungs work later.
Physical and Emotional
- Working out hard, especially in cold or dry places.
- Feeling really stressed or upset can make it hard to breathe.
- Laughing or crying a lot can also mess with your breathing for a bit.
Weather
- Cold weather can make your airways tight and make it hard to breathe.
- Hot and muggy weather can make more pollen and mold, which isn’t great for asthma.
- Sudden changes in the weather, like when it gets stormy or the pressure changes.
- Thunderstorms can stir up pollen and mold and make them spread around more.
Current Treatments for Asthma
While there is no cure for asthma, there are effective treatments to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Medications such as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids help open airways and reduce inflammation. Long-term management often involves identifying triggers and making lifestyle adjustments. Treatment plans are often personalized, as the effectiveness of treatments can vary from person to person.
Recent Advancements in Asthma Treatment
Innovative treatments for severe asthma are emerging. Biologics, which are medications derived from living organisms, are gaining attention. These drugs target specific pathways in the immune system to reduce inflammation and improve asthma control. Some biologics have shown promising results in clinical trials, offering hope for those with difficult-to-control asthma.
Clinical Trials for Asthma
Numerous clinical trials are ongoing to explore new potential treatments for asthma. These studies aim to gain a deeper understanding of the causes of asthma and develop more effective and personalized treatments.
Velocity Clinical Research is actively involved in conducting clinical trials for investigational medications designed to treat asthma. These trials aim to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new products intended to manage and control asthma symptoms.
Participating in a clinical trial can provide individuals with access to cutting-edge investigational therapies and contribute to the advancement of asthma research. If you’re interested in learning more about ongoing clinical trials for asthma at Velocity, fill out this form and speak with a recruitment specialist.
The future of asthma treatments holds promise, and ongoing research endeavors are dedicated to finding effective therapies to combat this increasingly prevalent respiratory disorder.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Asthma: https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/default.htm
Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention: https://ginasthma.org/
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Asthma: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma
