Asthma

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. Results of this can include 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 with which to treat asthma. In most cases a combination of long-term control medications and quick-relief medications are used. Treatment success for asthma is based on severity and the age of the patient.

Asthma symptoms can vary and can often be severe. It is common to experience symptoms more at night, during exercise or after being exposed to certain triggers. At other times you may feel perfectly fine and not exhibit any symptoms. The symptoms of asthma can include:

1. Wheezing
2. Difficulty breathing
3. Cough
4. Chest tightness
5. Chest pain
6. Shortness of Breathhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021/DSECTION=symptoms

There are some things that doctors and researchers believe can increase your risk of asthma. You can not always avoid these things, but try to avoid those that you have some control over whenever it is possible.

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. Obesityhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021/DSECTION=risk-factors

Although we don't know everything that can trigger an asthma attack, there are some triggers that are known. These triggers can include:

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

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