Asthma is a chronic disease that affects millions of people.
To answer, can asthma go away or not? You should know that it is a chronic lung condition and does not entirely disappear once you develop it.
Asthma is an inflammatory condition that constricts your airways, permanently modifying your lungs. The changes to your lungs indicate that your symptoms may return, specifically when you experience triggers.
However, your symptoms may get better over time with treatment and management. Depending on your Asthma’s severity, you can undergo remission (disappeared Asthma). Still, despite achieving remission, it is essential to manage your Asthma throughout your life to avoid possible complications.
Is Remission from Asthma Achievable?
According to a research review, asthma remission implies that you have gone 12 months or longer without substantial symptoms or the use of corticosteroid medications, as well as improved lung function tests.
When your asthma is in remission, you may feel:
- No asthma attacks or hospital visits
- Fewer doctor visits related directly to your symptoms
- Less of a reliance on quick-relief medications, such as inhalers
- An ability to participate in moderate to intense exercises and sports
- Better sleep due to fewer nighttime symptoms
When your asthma is managed, and you avoid the common triggers, such as allergens, you may experience remission. However, remission is less likely in more severe cases.
Let’s see how asthma remission may not be possible:
- People Who Develop Asthma Later in Life
The age of asthma onset is a factor. A study proved that people who developed asthma in their middle-age were less likely to experience remission.
- Children do not ‘outgrow’ Asthma.
It is a misconception that all children “outgrow” their asthma. According to experts, children may experience remission from asthma as adults. Still, about one-third of children with asthma will have symptoms even after growing up. A study found that it is even possible to experience the second peak of symptoms later in adulthood.
Can Asthma Symptoms Return after Remission?
Asthma changes how your lungs function permanently. Even if your asthma improves, it is highly essential to remain attentive to your triggers.
According to the experts, colds and allergies are the most common triggers, particularly in children.
It is possible to encounter improved asthma for an extended period and then for your symptoms to return during allergy season or if you get sick.
Possible asthma triggers are:
- Cigarette smoke
- Stress
- Cold weather
- Exercise
There is a much a greater chance of your asthma returning after remission if you have:
- A personal or family history of asthma
- Allergies
- Eczema or atopic dermatitis
Smoking or passive smoking can also increase your risk of returning asthma symptoms.
Tips for Preventing Symtoms frm Returning
You may not prevent your asthma symptoms from returning entirely, but managing your condition can help reduce their recurrence. The following tips can help you to avoid such symptoms:
Keep Taking Prescribed Medications
Medications may also help treat your asthma and prevent symptoms from returning. It is vital not to stop taking your prescribed medications even if your symptoms are better.
If you stop, this could cause your symptoms to return at higher severity, leading to an over-reliance on fast-acting inhalers and other rescue medications.
Avoid Asthma Triggers
Avoiding your triggers and controlling your environment as much as possible may help to prevent asthma symptoms from returning. The following steps may help:
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines during allergy season.
- Keep pets out of your bed if you are allergic to animal dander.
- Clean your home often, paying particular attention to areas where dust can accumulate, such as carpeting, rugs, and curtains.
- Avoid cigarette smoke.
- Exercise in cold weather with caution.
Try to Quit Smoking, If you Smoke
If you are a smoker, quitting can also help prevent asthma recurrence. A study found an increased remission rate among adult males and females who quit smoking. Quitting smoking may increase lung function.
Immunotherapy or Allergy Shots
Immunotherapy, also called allergy shots, may help with allergic asthma. These shots consist of small amounts of the substances you are allergic to, with gradual increases over several months or years.
These shots may be advantageous for children with seasonal allergies and help build up immunity so they do not experience symptoms as adults. However, it is still possible for other triggers to cause asthma symptoms despite taking allergy shots.
There is no cure for asthma. If you develop this chronic condition, you may have asthma symptoms for life. However, the severity of your symptoms can vary based on:
- Genetics
- Triggers
- Treatment
Your asthma can enter remission, and you may not have problems for several months or years. It is still essential to take your long-term controller medications as directed by your doctor and have a quick-relief inhaler on hand if your symptoms ever return. It is always best to consult a doctor for your asthma symptoms. You can book an appointment with the best Pulmonologist in Lahore through Marham for more information.
