Asthma 

 

 

Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs, which causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and night time or early morning coughing. If someone has asthma, he or she has it all the time, but asthma attacks will occur only when something bothers the lungs. 

 

We know that if someone in the family of a person with asthma has asthma, other family members are more likely to have it too. In most cases, we don’t know what causes asthma, and we don’t know how to cure it; however, it can be controlled.

 

Asthma can be controlled by knowing the warning signs of an attack, staying away from things that trigger an attack, and following the advice from a healthcare provider.

 

During an asthma episode, the airways become extremely narrow due to, muscle constriction, swelling of the inner lining, mucus production. This causes very limited airflow. During severe episodes, the airways may become extremely narrow, compromising airflow and leading to unexpected fatalities. 

 

Risk factors for developing asthma include:

•Eczema (atopic dermatitis) - 40% to 50% of children with eczema develop asthma, and it is probable they have more severe and persistent asthma as adults.

•Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

•Eye conditions (allergic conjunctivitis)

 

Triggers of asthma include:

•Pollen

•Cats

•Cockroach

•House dust mite

•Fungus/Molds

•Domestic birds

•Tobacco smoke

•Car fumes

•Fragrances

 

Treatment of asthma includes the use of inhalers,

which are either used to relieve the symptoms or

to prevent them.