Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : April 15, 2015 8:38 PM IST
Asthma is a chronic disease condition which narrows and inflames the airways that transport air to the lungs as well as carry air from it. Asthmatics have inflamed airways that cause the surrounding muscles to tighten thereby resulting in less air flow to the lungs. While the condition itself is manageable, it does have some severe complications if not managed well. Here are some of the ones you should know about.
Complications of Asthma:
Low blood oxygen A wide range of serious clinical complications are found to be associated with asthma that primarily includes low supply of blood to lungs resulting in comparatively very low blood oxygen level and very high carbon dioxide levels. And, if the O2 levels dangerously fall below critical limit than the patients have to be shifted on ventilators to avert any casualty.
Poor quality of life Since asthma is a respiratory complication, it is found that people suffering from it lead an inactive and low life. It affects the ability to exercise; restricting oneself to light physical activities and to stay away from any recreational activities. Also, people are found to underperform due to psychological pressure resulting from anxiety, stress and depression. Fatigue and days away from school & work are also quite commonly observed in asthmatics.
Respiratory issues Lung infection causing pneumonia, collapse of lungs or a part of it and respiratory failure are the severe clinical complications that are reported in addition to wide range of other respiratory problems. Acute respiratory failure in which the bronchial tubes of person suffering from asthma are completely blocked calling for an emergency.
Side effects of medications Since, asthma is a lifelong disease, the medications have to be used on long term basis. And, hence the chances of side effects from long term use of these drugs is very high.
Complications during pregnancy Asthma complications in pregnant women range from early onset of labour pain to gestational diabetes including hypertension and haemorrhage complications. In addition, the infants are also put on risk of breathing problems and low birth weight issues.
Status Asthmaticus: Status asthmaticus is an acute complication of asthma in which the sufferer fails to respond to initial treatment with bronchodilators. Sometimes it can become severe and cause bronchospasms and inflammation of the airway, making breathing extremely difficult. It can sometimes lead to respiratory failure.
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