According to the “2023 National Health Statistics” released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the prevalence of asthma in Korea is about 2.4 percent of the total population, which is quite high. 

The data at the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) also shows that about 1.75 million patients visited hospitals for asthma in 2022, and the number has been increasing moderately over the past five years. 

This is due to a combination of environmental factors, including air pollution, fine dust, and an aging population. 

“If you have shortness of breath and coughing after a cold, it is likely to be asthma,” said Professor Moon Ji-yong of the Department of Respiratory and Allergy Medicine at Konkuk University Medical Center.

The common cold and asthma have similar symptoms, so it's easy for patients to confuse them. However, a cold is a temporary viral infection, while asthma is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent airway inflammation.

“If you have a cold and you feel short of breath, don't dismiss it as a simple cold, but check for asthma,” Professor Moon said.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and narrowing, which causes recurrent coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. Often mistaken for a cold or simple bronchitis, asthma is a “control-driven disease,” meaning it is difficult to cure and symptom control is key. 

“Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that needs to be diagnosed early and controlled consistently,” Moon said. ”It is not a disease that can be cured with a single treatment, but requires constant management and accurate diagnosis.”

Asthma can be aggravated for various reasons. Allergies, infections, cold air, particulate matter, and stress can all cause inflammation of the airways, which can exacerbate symptoms. Asthma should be suspected if you have shortness of breath or a prolonged cough, especially after a cold. 

“If you have a cough that lasts for more than four weeks, or if you feel short of breath and tightness in your chest during exercise, you should undergo a pulmonary function test to rule out or diagnose asthma,” Professor Moon advised.

Asthma treatment centers on inhaled steroids but consistent treatment is key

The key to treating asthma is the consistent use of anti-inflammatory medications, including inhaled steroids. Inhaled medications directly control airway inflammation to reduce symptoms and prevent exacerbations. 

“Inhalers should be used every day, and if you stop them arbitrarily because you don't have symptoms, it can lead to relapse or worsening,” Moon explained. 

It is very important to know how to use inhalers correctly, as they vary depending on the dosage. While asthma is difficult to cure, it is a highly controllable condition, and the key to treatment is to control symptoms through expert diagnosis, personalized treatment, environmental modifications, and regular medication.

“To improve the quality of life for asthma patients, it is important to understand their condition and make the use of inhalers a way of life,” Professor Moon said, adding that ”consistent treatment leads to healthy breathing.”