What is Asthma?

Asthma is a disease in which the main air passages of the lungs – the bronchial tubes, restricts airflow in and out of the lungs. The muscle of the bronchial tubes become inflamed and the lungs produce extra mucus further narrowing the airways. Asthma comes from the Greek word for “panting.” The panting and wheezing sound is characteristic of asthma because of the restricted flow of air.

Asthma is a disease that usually begins at childhood but adults may also develop asthma. Asthma is a chronic disease and there is no cure for asthma. But asthma can be controlled and asthma attacks can be prevented.

Causes of Tension Headache

While the real cause of asthma is not yet fully identified. Astma is believed to be a combination of environmental and or genetic factors. You’re more likely to develop asthma if it runs in your family and if you’re sensitive to environmental allergens or irritants.

Exposure to various allergens and irritants may trigger asthma symptoms. The following are common things that trigger asthma symptoms:

• Allergens, such as pollen, animal dander or mold
• Cockroaches and dust mites
• Air pollutants and irritants
• Smoke
• Strong odors or scented products or chemicals
• Respiratory infections, including the common cold
• Physical exertion, including exercise
• Strong emotions and stress
• Cold air
• Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Sulfites, preservatives added to some perishable foods
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your esophagus. GERD may trigger an asthma attack or make an attack worse.
• Sinusitis

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Mild attacks are short lived symptoms such as wheezing. Some asthmatics have chronic shortness of breath with episodes of increased shortness of breath. Asthma attacks can last minutes to days, and can become dangerous if the airflow becomes severely restricted.

Most asthma attacks are preceded by warning signs. Recognizing the warning signs and treating the symptoms early can help prevent a severe attack.

The primary symptoms of asthma include:

• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Chest tightness or pain
• Disturbed sleep because of shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
• Cough (dry or with sputum)

Symptoms that needs immediate emergency care.

• Extreme difficulty breathing or cessation of breathing
• Bluish color to the lips and face (called cyanosis)
• Severe anxiety
• Rapid pulse
• Profuse sweating
• Decreased level of consciousness (such as drowsiness or confusion)

Additional symptoms that may be associated with an asthma attack include:

• Flared nostrils
• Abnormal breathing pattern, in which exhalation takes more than twice as long as inhalation
• Use of the muscles between the ribs (called intercostals) to help with the increased work of breathing
• Coughing up blood (called hemoptysis)

EditRegion7