ASTHMA
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disease in which the airways become sensitive to allergens (any substance that triggers an allergic reaction). Several things happen to the airways when a person is exposed to certain triggers:
· The lining of the airways become swollen and inflamed.
· The muscles that surround the airways tighten.
· The production of mucus in increased, leading to mucus plugs.
All of these factors will cause the airways to narrow, thus making it difficult for air to go in and out of your lungs, causing the symptoms of asthma.
· The lining of the airways become swollen and inflamed.
· The muscles that surround the airways tighten.
· The production of mucus in increased, leading to mucus plugs.
All of these factors will cause the airways to narrow, thus making it difficult for air to go in and out of your lungs, causing the symptoms of asthma.
What Causes asthma?
The exact cause of asthma is not completely known. It is believed to be partially inherited, but it also involves many other environmental, infectious, and chemical factors.
After a person is exposed to a certain trigger, the body releases histamine and other agents that can cause inflammation in the airways. The body also releases other factors that can cause the muscles of the airways to tighten, or become smaller. There is also an increase in mucus production that may clog the airways.
Some persons have exercise-induced asthma, which is caused by varying degrees of exercise. Symptoms can occur during, or shortly after, exercise. Each person has different triggers that cause the asthma to worsen. You should discuss this with your physician.
The changes that occur in asthma are believed to happen in two phases:
1. An immediate response to the trigger leads to swelling and narrowing of the airways. This makes it initially difficult to breathe.
2. A later response, which can happen four to eight hours after the initial exposure to the allergen, leads to further inflammation of the airways and
obstruction of airflow.
Knowing your risk factors to any disease can help to guide you into the appropriate actions, including changing behaviors and being clinically monitored for the disease.
After a person is exposed to a certain trigger, the body releases histamine and other agents that can cause inflammation in the airways. The body also releases other factors that can cause the muscles of the airways to tighten, or become smaller. There is also an increase in mucus production that may clog the airways.
Some persons have exercise-induced asthma, which is caused by varying degrees of exercise. Symptoms can occur during, or shortly after, exercise. Each person has different triggers that cause the asthma to worsen. You should discuss this with your physician.
The changes that occur in asthma are believed to happen in two phases:
1. An immediate response to the trigger leads to swelling and narrowing of the airways. This makes it initially difficult to breathe.
2. A later response, which can happen four to eight hours after the initial exposure to the allergen, leads to further inflammation of the airways and
obstruction of airflow.
Knowing your risk factors to any disease can help to guide you into the appropriate actions, including changing behaviors and being clinically monitored for the disease.
What are the risk factors for an asthma attack?
Although anyone may have an asthma attack, it most commonly occurs in the following persons:
· children by the age of 5
· adults in their 30s
· adults older than 65
· people living in urban communities
Other factors include the following:
· family history of asthma
· personal medical history of allergies
Children most susceptible to asthma attacks include the following:
· children with a family history of asthma
· children who have allergies
· children who have exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke
· children by the age of 5
· adults in their 30s
· adults older than 65
· people living in urban communities
Other factors include the following:
· family history of asthma
· personal medical history of allergies
Children most susceptible to asthma attacks include the following:
· children with a family history of asthma
· children who have allergies
· children who have exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke
What happens during an asthma attack or asthma exacerbation?
Persons with asthma have acute episodes when the air passages in their lungs become narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. These problems are caused by an over-sensitivity of the lungs and airways.
· The lungs and airways overreact to certain triggers causing:
o the lining of the airways to become inflamed and swollen.
o tightening of the muscles that surround the airways.
o an increased production of mucus.
· Breathing becomes harder and may hurt.
· There may be coughing.
· There may be a wheezing or whistling sound, which is typical of asthma. Wheezing occurs because of the rush of air which
moves through the narrowed airways.
· The lungs and airways overreact to certain triggers causing:
o the lining of the airways to become inflamed and swollen.
o tightening of the muscles that surround the airways.
o an increased production of mucus.
· Breathing becomes harder and may hurt.
· There may be coughing.
· There may be a wheezing or whistling sound, which is typical of asthma. Wheezing occurs because of the rush of air which
moves through the narrowed airways.