Can ignoring asthma symptoms cause permanent damage?

Can ignoring asthma symptoms cause permanent damage?
I have broncho spasms when it is cold. But I dont mind the small coughs very much. I'm not a fan of taking medicine, I believe it is over used in this society and I should put it in my body unless i seriously need it. I know the symptoms will subisde in a couple hours on its own. If i simply dont take the medicine, such as a resuce inhaler, will there be any effects, or damage to my lungs?

Answer by ash_m_79
DONT IGNORE SYMPTOMS. Asthma can be fatal in some cases.

Answer by smcin728
Death is pretty permanent.

Answer by Chakooch
Dear asker ... Well first of all you should know that most of medical personnel do not prescribe nor give medications without a good treating reason.

And well if you are having broncho-spastic attacks due to cold air exposure, that may be means you have a mild degree of asthma, in which treatment is divided to many steps

a- behavioral and psychological : stop smocking and its exposure too, avoid the precipitating factor ( as for you its exposure to cold), and many other measures.

b- drugs ( which varies according to the condition and the severity) from inhalers to steroids.

and well for your simply ignore the condition and the attacks ... it may get worse and there are many consequences that varies with the annoying attacks, inability to breath, loss of consciousness ........ to permanent brain damage due to insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain .... and death in cases of irreversible resistant status asthmaticus .

But first and last the decision is for the G.P. or the specialist that you should see.

All my good wishes for you to get well and have a good health
Good luck

Answer by Doc8
Asthma can cause emphysema, but your condition does not seem a cause of concern.

Answer by lynwin552
Symptoms of asthma (or any disease) shouldn't be ignored. The fact that you have bronchospasms in cold weather means that your lungs don't function well in cold air. Today's mild bronchospasm could be tomorrow's full-blown and potentially fatal asthma attack. And yes, untreated, asthma can permanently damage your lungs.
Lynne,RN

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