How Does Asthma Affect The Respiratory System?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Your bronchial tubes (airways), which are irritated by asthma, become inflamed, making them more vulnerable to irritants and allergens. Numerous respiratory symptoms, including coughing and wheezing, may result from this.

When you breathe in and out, you are respiring, which is the process of exchanging gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide). The organs that assist in supporting these movements are part of your respiratory system.

While your lungs are the main organs affected by asthma, other sections of your respiratory system may also be impacted. Learn more about how does asthma affect the respiratory system and how you might be able to avoid or control the symptoms that go along with it.

How does asthma affect your lungs?

You breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide through your lungs. Your lungs might not work as they should when you have asthma, which can have a number of negative repercussions. Asthma flare-ups can happen at any time of the day, but they typically happen at night or in the early morning.

Swelling in airways

One of the main effects of asthma on your lungs is airway inflammation or swelling. Breathing can be made more difficult by inflammation, both short-term and long-term. Wheezing and coughing, are two additional typical asthma symptoms that may result from this.

Tightening of muscles

Your airway muscles may also contract as a result of airway inflammation (tighten). During an asthma attack, chest tightness is another common sensation.

Extra mucus production

Tightening might cause mucus to become stuck in your airways. In an effort to get rid of it, you could cough more. Additionally, coughing often gets worse at night and right after waking up.

Gas exchange

You can suffer breathing difficulties if you have asthma. Your airways narrowed as a result of your airway muscles being tightened. It becomes more challenging to breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide as a result.

How does asthma affect the respiratory system?

Your lungs are largely impacted by asthma. However, the consequences of asthma can spread to other areas of your respiratory system in addition to your lower respiratory tract. Take into account the following essential components:

Trachea (windpipe)

A smooth muscle in your body called your windpipe is essential for getting oxygen to your lungs. Asthma can cause this important airway to swell and narrow, which can cause coughing and breathing problems.

Larynx (voice box)

A small but intricate part of your lower respiratory system is your voice box. It joins your windpipe to your throat. Vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are housed in the larynx and produce sound when air is passed through them.

Some asthmatics may develop vocal cord dysfunction, which can make it difficult to breathe, cough, or wheeze. Even though vocal cord dysfunction and asthma have similar symptoms, they are two different illnesses.

Pharynx (throat)

You might feel a scratchy throat just before an asthma episode. You may cough more as a result of this. You might need to clear your throat more frequently than usual if you have asthmatic mucus buildup.

Mouth

One way for your lungs to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide is through your mouth. During an asthma episode, breathing may be more difficult for you, causing mouth-wheezing and shortness of breath.

You can experience a dry mouth if you’re currently on asthma treatments.

Nose

Two nasal cavities in your nose act as additional passageways for air entering and exiting your lungs. A runny nose, nasal congestion, and postnasal drip are some additional symptoms that you could have if you have asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Although this chronic lung illness most frequently strikes children, it can strike anyone at any time. Airway inflammation and constriction are its defining characteristics. Numerous respiratory symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, may result from these consequences.

The next measures should be discussed with a doctor if you believe you have undiagnosed or uncontrolled asthma. Management and therapy can lessen the impact asthma has on your respiratory system as well as any associated side effects like GERD or cardiac issues.