Difference Between Acute and Chronic Asthma Exacerbation

Differences Diseases Symptoms

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway illness characterised by airway hyper responsiveness and airflow restriction, both of which can improve with time or medical intervention.

There are two types of asthma attacks: acute attacks and chronic attacks. Chronic asthma exacerbations are a long-term condition, whereas its acute counterparts occur suddenly.

What is Acute Asthma Exacerbation?

When asthma symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, cough, and shortness of breath suddenly and steadily intensify, this is called an acute asthma exacerbation. Causes might include −

Acute exacerbations can be triggered by a variety of things. Some of the more common triggers are −

Colds, dry and cold air
Upper respiratory infections
Allergens such as mold, dust mites, and pollen
Smoke of tobacco
Exercise
Cats and Dogs
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

What is Chronic Asthma Exacerbation?

Chronic Asthma Exacerbation happens when the asthma symptoms are intense and there is chronic inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs. In chronic asthma, an asthma attack, is called a flareup or exacerbation.

Triggers include −

Respiratory viral infection, mainly rhinovirus
Sensitizing agents
Allergens like pollen, cockroach droppings, weeds, animals, mold, grass, and dust mite
Air pollution, chemical fumes, household cleaners, strong alcoholic perfumes or other substances in the air
Stress and anxiety
Some medications like aspirin and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen. Some beta-blockers – which treat glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart disease, and migraine
Illness like severe sinusitis (inflammation of sinuses), flu, heartburn and acid reflux

Differences: Acute and Chronic Asthma Exacerbation

The following table highlights the major differences between Acute and Chronic Asthma Exacerbation −

Characteristics	Acute Asthma Exacerbation	Chronic Asthma Exacerbation
Definition	Sudden in onset	Long – developing syndrome
Key features	IgE production Mucus Hypersecretion Airway Hyperactivity Eosinophilic inflammation in the pun g	Smooth muscle hypertrophy Fibrosis and remodelling Epithelial cell changes Goblet cell metaplasia
Symptoms	Agitation Increase in heart rate Reduced lung function Hyperventilation Difficulty in difficulty speaking or breathing	Tightened neck and chest muscles, called retractions Chest tightness or pressure Constant coughing Feelings of anxiety or panic Feel confused, lost, agitated and unable to focus Very rapid breathing Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out Difficulty and discomfort in talking Pale, sweaty face Bluish tint to your lips Hunched shoulders, and strained muscles in the neck and stomach
Causes	An overly sensitive immune system that makes the bronchial tubes become inflamed and swollen when you’re exposed to certain triggers. Asthma triggers vary from person to person. Common acute asthma attack triggers include: Mold, pollen, pets, and dust mites.	Lung infections, such as a cold or the flu Strong emotions and stress Smoke inhalation Preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages Certain medications, including aspirin, beta-blockers, naproxen, and ibuprofen Menstrual cycle in some women Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Subset – Life threatening	Dyspnea interferes with or limits usual activity	Too dyspneic to speak, perspiration
Clinical Course	Usually needs frequent visits to emergency department and even hospitalization Oral systemic corticosteroids; some symptoms last for greater than 3 days after the start of treatment Partial relief and comfort from frequently inhaled Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol and levalbuterol Adjunctive therapies are beneficial	Very less or no relief and comfort from frequently inhaled Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol and levalbuterol Intravenous corticosteroids – Fluticasone (Flovent HFA), Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler), Mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler), Beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler), Ciclesonide (Alvesco) Adjunctive therapies are sometimes helpful

Conclusion

Acute and chronic asthma exacerbation are two different types of asthma attacks that require different approaches to treatment and management. Understanding the difference between acute and chronic asthma exacerbation can help individuals with asthma effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Vineet Nanda

Updated on: 03-Apr-2023

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