Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes. When asthma is left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications. Some key things that can happen if asthma goes untreated include:
More frequent and severe asthma attacks
Asthma attacks happen when the airways become inflamed and constricted, making breathing difficult. Common symptoms of an attack include coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath. Without proper treatment, asthma attacks tend to become more frequent and more severe over time. The airways become increasingly sensitive and are triggered more easily. Attacks that are not treated promptly can be life-threatening.
Permanent lung damage
Repeated asthma flare-ups and attacks can cause permanent changes to the structure of the lungs. The airways can become permanently narrowed due to swelling and scarring. Over time, the lungs lose their elasticity and ability to fully expand and contract. This reduced lung function makes breathing more difficult even when you are not having an active asthma attack. Untreated asthma can lead to a permanent shortness of breath.
Respiratory infections
People with uncontrolled asthma are more prone to getting respiratory infections like pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and sinus infections. This is because the excess mucus production and inflammation make it easier for bacteria and viruses to take hold. The weakened immune system also makes it harder to fight off these infections. Pneumonia is a particular concern for those with severe asthma.
Lung failure
In the most serious cases, untreated asthma can cause respiratory failure. This is when the lungs are no longer able to provide enough oxygen to the body. Warning signs of impending respiratory failure include confusion, blue lips or fingernails, gasping for air, a very rapid heart rate, and losing consciousness. Emergency medical care is required to prevent death. Respiratory failure can happen gradually over time or can be triggered suddenly by a severe asthma attack.
Other complications
Other potential complications from uncontrolled asthma include:
- Pulmonary hypertension – Increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries caused by lung scarring.
- Heart problems – The extra work needed to breathe can lead to issues like high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and heart failure.
- Obstructive sleep apnea – Asthma symptoms at night can disrupt sleep and cause this condition where breathing stops temporarily.
- Weakened bones – Some asthma medications like oral corticosteroids increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
- Side effects from oral corticosteroids – Long-term use can cause weight gain, high blood sugar, muscle weakness, thinning skin, and mental health problems.
Progression of untreated asthma
When asthma is left unmanaged, it often follows a progressive course:
- Mild intermittent asthma – Occasional flair ups of symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Attacks are infrequent and mild.
- Mild persistent asthma – Symptoms occur at least twice a week but less than once a day. Nighttime symptoms start to occur at least twice a month. Attacks impact normal activity.
- Moderate persistent asthma – Daily symptoms with more frequent nighttime flare ups. Attacks last longer and happen more often, sometimes requiring an ER visit. Daily activities and quality of sleep are impaired.
- Severe persistent asthma – Frequent severe asthma attacks. Continuous daytime symptoms and frequent nighttime awakening. Extreme limitation of physical activities due to symptoms. Serious risk of exacerbations that can be fatal.
As asthma worsens to the severe stage, the risk of life-threatening complications rises dramatically. Urgent medical intervention is needed to regain control.
Importance of active treatment
Asthma requires active, ongoing treatment, even when symptoms seem mild. An asthma management plan should include:
- Avoiding triggers – Identifying and limiting exposure to things than can induce attacks, like pet dander, pollen, smoke, and respiratory infections.
- Control medications – Taking daily long-term control medicines as prescribed to reduce airway inflammation. This includes inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), etc. These preventative drugs keep asthma under control day-to-day and reduce the risk of severe flare-ups.
- Quick-relief medications – Having fast-acting bronchodilators like short-acting beta agonists available to quickly relieve acute asthma symptoms as needed.
- Monitoring – Tracking symptoms and using a peak flow meter to detect early changes in lung function.
- Action plan – Working with a doctor to create a written action plan detailing when and how to adjust medications and when to seek emergency care based on changes in symptoms and peak flow readings.
Following an active and comprehensive treatment plan helps people with asthma live normal, active lives with minimal restrictions and complications.
Seeking medical help
It is critical that people with asthma work closely with their doctor and follow their prescribed treatment plan. Make sure to attend all scheduled appointments to monitor lung function and medication effectiveness. Inform your doctor right away if:
- Your symptoms are getting worse or happening more frequently
- Your quick-relief inhaler seems less effective
- You are waking up at night with asthma symptoms frequently
- Your peak flow readings are decreasing
- You are having trouble staying active due to asthma symptoms
Worsening asthma control is a sign you may need a change in medications or other adjustments to your treatment plan. Sudden severe symptoms require prompt emergency care.
Outlook with proper control
While asthma has no cure, the vast majority of people with asthma are able to effectively control their condition with comprehensive medical treatment and avoid complications. With proper control:
- Asthma attacks become infrequent and mild
- Symptoms cause minimal disruptions to sleep and daily activities
- Lung function can be maintained in the normal range
- The risk of permanent lung damage and other complications is greatly reduced
- It is often possible to participate in sports and exercise normally
- The need for oral corticosteroid use is minimized or eliminated
- Quality of life remains high
While asthma requires chronic care, people who actively partner with their doctor and follow treatment guidelines can effectively control their asthma and avoid the many potential consequences of leaving it untreated.
Conclusion
Asthma is a serious, chronic condition that demands active management for the rest of a person’s life. Without conscientious treatment, asthma tends to progressively worsen over time, leading to irreversible lung damage, increasingly dangerous attacks, and potentially fatal complications. However, those who consistently follow their prescribed treatment plan and closely partner with their healthcare provider can successfully control their asthma in the vast majority of cases. This allows people with asthma to enjoy full, largely symptom-free lives. The message is clear – asthma must be treated actively to maintain health and avoid potentially devastating consequences.