ASTHMA
Overview
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways to the lungs.
It makes breathing difficult and can make some physical activities difficult or even
impossible.
To understand asthma, you need to understand a little about what happens
when you breathe.
Normally, with every breath you take, air goes through your nose and down into
your throat, into your airways, eventually making it to your lungs.
There are lots of small air passages in your lungs that help deliver oxygen from
the air into your bloodstream.
Asthma symptoms occur when the lining of your airways swell and the muscles
around them tighten.
Mucus then fills the airways, further reducing the amount of air that can pass
through.
,Symptoms
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You may have infrequent asthma
attacks, have symptoms only at certain times — such as when exercising — or have
symptoms all the time.
Asthma signs and symptoms include:
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
• A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of
asthma in children)
• Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a
cold or the flu
Signs that your asthma is probably worsening include:
• Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and bothersome
• Increasing difficulty breathing (measurable with a peak flow meter, a device used
to check how well your lungs are working)
• The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often
For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations:
• Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry
• Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical
fumes, gases or dust
• Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen,
mold spores, cockroach waste or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets
(pet dander)
, Cause of asthma
No single cause has been identified for asthma. Instead, researchers believe that the
breathing condition is caused by a variety of factors. These factors include:
• Genetics. If a parent has asthma, you’re more likely to develop it.
• History of viral infections. People with a history of viral infections during
childhood are more likely to develop the condition.
• Hygiene hypothesis. This hypothesis proposes that babies aren’t exposed to
enough bacteria in their early months and years. Therefore, their immune
systems don’t become strong enough to fight off asthma and other conditions.
• Early allergen exposure. Frequent contact with possible allergens and
irritants may increase your risk for developing asthma.
Asthma triggers
Certain conditions and environments may also trigger symptoms of asthma. These
triggers include:
• Illness. Respiratory illnesses such as the flu and pneumonia can trigger asthma
attacks.
• Exercise. Increased movement may make breathing more difficult.
• Irritants in the air. People with asthma may be sensitive to irritants such as
chemical fumes, strong odors, and smoke.
• Allergens. Animal dander, dust mites, and pollen are just a few examples of
allergens that can trigger symptoms.
• Extreme weather conditions. Conditions such as very high humidity or
low temperatures may trigger asthma.
Overview
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways to the lungs.
It makes breathing difficult and can make some physical activities difficult or even
impossible.
To understand asthma, you need to understand a little about what happens
when you breathe.
Normally, with every breath you take, air goes through your nose and down into
your throat, into your airways, eventually making it to your lungs.
There are lots of small air passages in your lungs that help deliver oxygen from
the air into your bloodstream.
Asthma symptoms occur when the lining of your airways swell and the muscles
around them tighten.
Mucus then fills the airways, further reducing the amount of air that can pass
through.
,Symptoms
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You may have infrequent asthma
attacks, have symptoms only at certain times — such as when exercising — or have
symptoms all the time.
Asthma signs and symptoms include:
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
• A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of
asthma in children)
• Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a
cold or the flu
Signs that your asthma is probably worsening include:
• Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and bothersome
• Increasing difficulty breathing (measurable with a peak flow meter, a device used
to check how well your lungs are working)
• The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often
For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations:
• Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry
• Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical
fumes, gases or dust
• Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen,
mold spores, cockroach waste or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets
(pet dander)
, Cause of asthma
No single cause has been identified for asthma. Instead, researchers believe that the
breathing condition is caused by a variety of factors. These factors include:
• Genetics. If a parent has asthma, you’re more likely to develop it.
• History of viral infections. People with a history of viral infections during
childhood are more likely to develop the condition.
• Hygiene hypothesis. This hypothesis proposes that babies aren’t exposed to
enough bacteria in their early months and years. Therefore, their immune
systems don’t become strong enough to fight off asthma and other conditions.
• Early allergen exposure. Frequent contact with possible allergens and
irritants may increase your risk for developing asthma.
Asthma triggers
Certain conditions and environments may also trigger symptoms of asthma. These
triggers include:
• Illness. Respiratory illnesses such as the flu and pneumonia can trigger asthma
attacks.
• Exercise. Increased movement may make breathing more difficult.
• Irritants in the air. People with asthma may be sensitive to irritants such as
chemical fumes, strong odors, and smoke.
• Allergens. Animal dander, dust mites, and pollen are just a few examples of
allergens that can trigger symptoms.
• Extreme weather conditions. Conditions such as very high humidity or
low temperatures may trigger asthma.
