Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult for millions of people suffering from it. This disease can be controlled in most of the people but it is not completely cured. The disease causes wheezing, cough and breathlessness and the severity of the symptoms varies from person to person. If estimates are to be believed, 300 million people are affected by the asthma worldwide. Asthma is basically a chronic inflammatory disorder associated with the airways. Due to asthma the airways become obstructed and make airflow limited. When asthma attack occurs, the muscles around the airway tighten. It makes the airway smaller and the lining of the airways becomes swollen. It forms thick mucus that results in blocking small airways.
Causes of Asthma:
Factors that cause asthma is called triggers. They may be different from one person to the other. Some of the most prominent asthma triggers are colds, smoke, allergies, or exercise, dust
mites and tobacco smoke may also trigger the asthma stroke severely. The causes of asthma are still not fully understood but family history of asthma, eczema or hay fever may add to the disease outbreak. The following are main asthma triggers:
- Colds and flu
- Cigarette smoking
- Exposure to cigarette smoke
- Inhaled allergens
- Certain medications such aspirin
- Emotional factors like laughter and stress
Symptoms of Asthma:
Almost every patient of asthma experience early signs of Asthma. These signs let you know that there’s something wrong with you. The following are major signs and symptoms of Asthma:
- Breathing Changes
- Throat Clearing
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Throat Itches
- Trouble Sleeping
These symptoms are felt when asthma is acting up. As soon you experience any of these symptoms call upon your doctor.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
The diagnosis of asthma is done on the basis of patient’s medical history, physical examination and several laboratory test results. A test called spirometry is also conducted to diagnose the asthma outbreak. Allergy testing, chest radiography and Bronchial provocation testing are also done to establish the intensity of the asthma. Doctors also recommend a few effective medications such as Advair, Singulair and Flovent to treat the disease.