Asthma is a very common condition that millions of individuals have all over the world. You will find that the problem can also disappear for several years or permanently with the right measures and approaches. You should first understand what the problem is about and get to know the processes that trigger it. Here is some more information to help you.
1. About Asthma
Asthma is a condition that precedes long term inflammation of the lungs. The inflammation is characterized by the bronchi or airways being narrowed reversibly. About 7% of all Americans have asthma, while about 6.5% of Britons have the condition. There are around 300 million all over the globe affected by the condition. During an attack, the smooth muscle cells located inside the bronchi will constrict, thereby causing the airways to swell and become inflamed. Breathing then becomes hard. The person usually has a tight feeling in his chest, and will need immediate medication or treatment.
2. More Info
About 4,000 Americans die of asthma each year. There are a number of immediate treatments to alleviate attacks, such as quick or short-acting beta-2 agonists that help acute episodes. The attacks can also be avoided by staying away from factors that trigger it like quick temperature changes and allergens. Drug treatment through long-acting beta-2 agonists or inhaled corticosteroids may also be used. If you wish to avoid side effects, you can try leukotriene antagonists. With treatment, patient prognosis is generally good.
3. The Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of asthma can range anywhere from minor and severe. These also change depending on the person. Some individuals experience mild symptoms like infrequent sneezing. Between each episode, the person may feel normal and have no trouble breathing, even while playing sports or doing other rigorous activities. Other signs and symptoms include cough and wheezing constantly or only during night time or exercise.
Other signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain or chest tightening, audible wheezing sound upon exhalation, wheezing sounds, trouble sleeping due to coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, boost in frequency and severity of the signs and symptoms, coughing and wheezing enhanced by flu or colds, increase in need to use bronchodilators and a decrease in peak flow rates when measured using a peak flow meter.
4. What Causes It?
There is no real known cause for asthma. However, a combination of genetic traits and environmental factors are known to trigger the effects. Asthma triggers can vary between people. Exposure to different irritants and allergens can cause signs and symptoms, like respiratory infection, airborne allergens like pollen and dust mites, physical activity, cold air, some medications like aspirin and NSAIDs, air pollution, smoke, stress and strong emotions, GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, menstruation, allergy and preservatives.
5. Who’s at Risk?
Some people are especially at risk for developing asthma such as those with a family history of the condition, people born with low birth weight, overweight individuals, living in polluted areas, exposure to second hand smoke, smoking, exposure to chemicals and frequent respiratory infections during childhood.
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