Expert: Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator - 10/9/2008

Question
What are some potential complications of having asthma?

Answer
Hi Amanda,

I'd like to know, are you the patient, or is it someone close to you?

Not to be morbid, but the greatest risk is death, and this is fortunately not common (~ 5000/year in the US, and 90% were preventable). The critical thing to note is the fact that most WERE preventable, had the asthmatic patient had their rescue medication with them. Like an old American Express Card ad: "Don't leave home without it!"

That said, the two main issues are a) "Quality of life", and b) the potential to progress on to "COPD" (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) later in life, due to slowly progressing scar tissue development in the lungs.

"Quality of life" is directly related to asthma control, and the ability to maintain a full, active, near-normal life-style. Here, the two essentials are education and therapy control. It is extremely important for an asthmatic to have a full understanding of their disease, and to take charge of their well-being. A patient who succeeds at this will basically have a life without limits. Approximately 15% of Olympic athletes have asthma, which means that when well controlled, an asthmatic will miss out on very little in life. Proper use of daily controller medications are necessary for those with persistent asthma to maintain that high "QOL".

It is important to understand that asthma is an inflammatory lung condition that, even when fully controlled, does not eliminate the inflammation. A good analogy here would be the pilot light on a gas furnace. The furnace (symptoms) may be turned off, but that little flame keeps burning. Exposure to triggers (the flu virus, smoke, mold, cold dry air, etc.) can throw the furnace back on.

Regarding the development of COPD, there are a number of markers that allergists look at to evaluate the degree of impairment. At present, the ONLY effective way to slow the progression of the disease is with allergy shots. Also, knowing the patients specific triggers, and then practicing avoidance procedures, will reduce the level of inflammation in the lungs. You wouldn't throw gas on a forest fire is the perfect analogy.

If you are not the one with asthma, and want to get an idea of what they feel, take a plastic drinking straw, hold your nose closed, and only breath through the straw for 2 minutes. It can really change the perspective of their life without control.

I hope this addresses your question. If you want more in depth, please get back to me about what you are specifically looking at.

Sincerely,

Marc