Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition that affects the airways, causing inflammation, narrowing, and swelling, making it difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs.

People with asthma are prone to having asthma attacks, which can be triggered by various factors, including allergens, smoke, pollution, and exercise.

What are the deadly diseases that asthma sufferers are at risk of?

Asthma sufferers are at risk of developing several deadly diseases. These include:.

1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD is a group of lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is characterized by chronic inflammation and obstruction of the airways.

COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, and asthma is a significant risk factor for developing COPD. A study found that 20% of patients with asthma also had COPD, and this percentage increased with age.

2. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be life-threatening, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Asthma increases the risk of developing pneumonia, as the condition weakens the lungs’ ability to clear mucus and debris, making it easier for germs to infect the respiratory system. A study found that asthma patients were twice as likely to develop pneumonia compared to people without asthma.

3. Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that supply blood to the lungs. It is a serious condition that can lead to heart failure and death.

Asthma is a risk factor for developing pulmonary hypertension, as the inflammation in the airways can spread to the blood vessels in the lungs, causing them to narrow and stiffen, increasing blood pressure.

4. Lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. People with asthma are at higher risk of developing lung cancer, as the chronic inflammation in the airways can damage the DNA in the lung cells, leading to mutations and abnormal growth.

A study found that asthma patients had a 40% higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to people without asthma.

5. Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.

Asthma is a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, as the inflammation caused by asthma can spread to the blood vessels, causing them to narrow and stiffen, increasing blood pressure and promoting blood clots. A study found that asthma patients had a 20% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to people without asthma.

6. Stroke

Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted.

Asthma is a risk factor for developing stroke, as the inflammation caused by asthma can spread to the blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of blood clots and other cardiovascular events. A study found that asthma patients had a 30% higher risk of developing stroke compared to people without asthma.

7. Influenza

Influenza, or flu, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system.

People with asthma are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, as their immune system is weakened by the chronic inflammation in the airways. It is recommended that people with asthma receive yearly flu vaccinations to reduce their risk of developing complications from the flu.

How to reduce the risk of deadly diseases in asthma sufferers?

While asthma is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, there are steps that asthma sufferers can take to reduce their risk of developing deadly diseases. These include:.

1. Manage asthma symptoms

Asthma sufferers should work with their healthcare provider to develop a personalized asthma action plan that includes taking preventive medications as prescribed, monitoring symptoms, avoiding triggers, and having a plan for managing asthma attacks.

2. Quit smoking

Smoking is a significant risk factor for developing COPD, lung cancer, and other deadly diseases. Asthma sufferers who smoke should quit smoking as soon as possible to reduce their risk of developing these conditions.

Healthcare providers can provide guidance and support to help asthma sufferers quit smoking.

3. Get vaccinated

Asthma sufferers should receive yearly flu vaccinations to reduce their risk of developing complications from the flu.

They should also receive other recommended vaccinations, such as the pneumococcal vaccine, to reduce their risk of developing pneumonia and other infections.

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Asthma sufferers should maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.

A healthy lifestyle can help reduce inflammation in the body and strengthen the immune system, reducing the risk of developing deadly diseases.

Conclusion

Asthma sufferers are at higher risk of developing deadly diseases, including COPD, pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and influenza.

However, there are steps that asthma sufferers can take to reduce their risk of developing these conditions, including managing asthma symptoms, quitting smoking, getting vaccinated, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Healthcare providers can provide guidance and support to help asthma sufferers reduce their risk of developing deadly diseases.