AsthmaOverview Asthma is a chronic condition (might be hereditary) that occurs when the main air passages of your lungs, the bronchials, become inflammed. The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten and excess mucus is produced, thus causing your airways to narrow. Causes The likelihood of developing asthma is higher if you have a genetic predisposition to the disease (hereditary). Also if you are sensitive to allergens or irritants in your environment, you might get asthma. Some of the common triggers include: - Allergens, such as pollen, pet fur, molds.
- Air pollutants and irritants.
- Smoking and secondhand smoke.
- Respiratory infections, including the cold and flu.
- Physical exertion.
- Cold, or damp air.
- Some preservatives added to food.
Signs and Symptoms Warning signs and symptoms: - An audible whistling or wheezing accompanied with shortness of breath
- Coughing frequently and occurring in spasms
- Inability to sleep at night with coughing or wheezing
- Shortness of breath, which may or may not be exercise-related
- A tight feeling in the chest
Medical Treatment varies according to individual and hence it is difficult to list all of them down. Prevention strategies are also difficult to formulate since different people have different triggers for asthma. The best way would be to identify for yourself, the various triggers that result in your asthma attack and to subsequently avoid these triggers.
The standard medication that most asthma patients rely on are grouped into 2 main groups. That of Relief and Prevention. For medication that provides immediate relief, a steroid-based inhaler (most commonly Ventolin) is used for quick and effective relief. For long-term prevention, Preventers such as Flixotide helps to manage asthma. To strengthen yourself against asthma, one can: 1. Exercise regularly to build up stamina and strengthen lungs. Asthmatics with exercise-induced asthma should take their inhaler prior to exercise. 2. Keep indoor air clean of allergens such as dust, pet fur etc. 3. Clean your house regularly. 4. Avoid places with strong smell (like the perfume level of a shopping centre) 5. Develop an action plan in case an asthma attack occurs. 6. Monitor breathing to detect early signs of an impending attack. 7. Treat attacks early.
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