Family Health Guide

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Asthma

Asthma (Az-muh) is a chronic disease that affects your airways. The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten, and cells in the lungs produce extra mucus further narrowing your airways. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed (swollen). In children, the most common triggers are viral illnesses such as those that cause the common cold. This can cause minor wheezing to severe difficulty in breathing. In some cases, your breathing may be so labored that an asthma attack becomes life-threatening. During an asthma attack, muscles around the airways tighten up, making the airways narrower so less air flows through. This extra mucus also narrows the airways. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that not enough oxygen gets to vital organs. This condition is a medical emergency. You will need to learn what things cause your asthma symptoms and how to avoid them. Asthma is a chronic but treatable condition. You can manage your condition much like someone manages diabetes or heart disease. You and your doctor can work together to control asthma, reduce the severity and frequency of attacks and help maintain a normal, active life.

Asthma occurs when the main air passages of your lungs, the bronchial tubes, become inflamed. This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing , shortness of breath , chest tightness, and coughing , which respond to bronchodilators. The inflammation (IN-fla-MAY-shun) makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating. Asthma cannot be cured, but most people with asthma can control it so that they have few and infrequent symptoms and can live active lives. These asthma triggers vary and may include exercise, cold air, allergens (such as dust, ragweed, mold, or cat dander), infections, and emotional reactions. Some people suffer asthma symptoms continuously; others experience them only if exposed to triggers. Regardless of the cause, severe asthma is a serious health concern that can lead to respiratory failure and death.

Causes of Asthma

The common Causes of Asthma :

  • Non-specific hyperirritability
  • Allergy to pollen and dust particles
  • Respiratory infections
  • Certain medications
  • Sulfites in food
  • Air pollution

Symptoms of Asthma

Some Symptoms of Asthma :

  • Increased shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Cough may be the main symptom in some children.
  • Chest tightness or pain.

Treatment of Asthma

  • Working closely with your doctor to decide what your treatment goals are and learning how to meet those goals.
  • Using asthma medicines. Allergy medicine and shots may also help control asthma in some people.
  • Monitoring your asthma so that you can recognize when your symptoms are getting worse and respond quickly to prevent or stop an asthma attack.
  • Report any side effects you are having with your medications.
  • Maintain normal or near-normal lung function.
  • Avoiding things that bring on your asthma symptoms or make your symptoms worse. Doing so can reduce the amount of medicine you need to control your asthma.
  • Prevent attacks severe enough to require a visit to your provider or an emergency department or hospitalization .
  • There are two main types of drugs used for treating Asthma, and these are most commonly taken using an aerosol inhaler.

 

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