• Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects the tubes that allow air in and out of your lungs. When you have asthma, the inside walls of your airway tubes become swollen and sore. This causes the airways to be sensitive and to react to things that you are allergic to. This reaction narrows the airways causing less air to get into the lungs. By less air getting into the lungs, this produces wheezing, difficulty breathing, coughing and a tightness in the chest.

  When asthma symptoms worsen, it is referred to as an asthma attack. During an asthma attack, the airways become even more swollen than usual and produce a thicker mucus, making it much more difficult to breath. Mild asthma attacks are most common, but severe cases can result in loss of consciousness and death. It is important to get immediate medical help, if you or someone you know is having a severe asthma attack.

  There are many effective medications to treat asthma. In most cases a combination of long-term control medications and quick-relief medications are used. Treatment is based asthma severity and age.

• Fast Facts

  1. 450 BC: Described by Hippocrates
  2. 1901: Bronchodilators 1st used
  3. Incurable but can be managed
  4. Asthma has a genetic component
  5. More Americans than ever are currently suffering
  6. 40,000 people miss school or work due to asthma every day in America AAFA: Asthma Facts
  7. 30,000 people have an asthma attack every day in America AAFA: Asthma Facts
  8. 5,000 people visit the emergency room due to asthma every day in America AAFA: Asthma Facts
  9. 1,000 people are admitted to the hospital due to asthma every day in America AAFA: Asthma Facts
  10. 11 people die from asthma every day in America AAFA: Asthma Facts

• Symptoms

  1. Wheezing
  2. Difficulty breathing
  3. Cough
  4. Chest tightness
  5. Chest pain
  6. Shortness of Breath

• Risk Factors

  1. Exposure to environmental pollutants
  2. Smoking
  3. Second-hand smoke
  4. Occupational triggers
  5. One or both parent have asthma
  6. Childhood respiratory infections
  7. Low birth weight
  8. Obesity
  9. GERD

• Asthma Attack Triggers

  1. Allergies
  2. Colds
  3. Bronchitis
  4. Exercise
  5. Weather changes
  6. Smoking

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Asthma, please consult your doctor.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Inflammation | Allergy | Emphysema | Hay Fever | Albuterol | COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | Lung Transplant | Inhaled Corticosteroids | Rhinitis | Clarinex (Desloratadine) | Bambuterol | Singulair | Lung Cancer | Asthma Treatment

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