Getting to Understand Asthma

This article seeks to expound on some aspects of asthma including causes, symptoms, and possible remedies. For easy understanding, the facts will be organized in various subheadings and at times, bullet points will be utilized.

1. What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a respiratory system condition in which the airways of a patient narrows, swells and produces mucus. Patients experience difficulties in breathing and this causes coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing. For some people, this condition is just a minor nuisance but for other, it can be a major problem interfering with their day-to-day activities or may even lead to life-threatening asthma attack.

2. What Are The Causes of Asthma?

It is still not clear why some people get infected with asthma while other doesn't even when exposed to similar environmental conditions. Probably, the discrepancy is due to a combination of genetic factors, which are inherent, and environmental factors. Generally speaking, exposure to substances that causes an allergy is known to trigger symptoms and signs of asthma. These triggers are different from person to person, and they include the following:

a. Air contaminants such fumes and smoke. 
b. Physical activities can cause exercise-induced asthma. 
c. Menstruation also triggers asthma in some women. 
d. Preservatives and Sulfites added some foods and beverages may also trigger asthma in some people. 
e. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition where by stomach acids back up to the thought, is also a known cause of asthma. 
f. Some medications such as aspirin and beta blocker among other also cause asthma in some people. 
g. Other common causes include Cold air, strong emotions, and stress.

3. What Are The Symptoms of Asthma?

Asthma symptoms are not hard to detect. They range from minor to severe, but they vary from one person to another. The asthma signs and symptoms are as listed below:

a. Wheezing and coughing attacks. This can get worse when there is viral infection on the respiratory system such as flu or cold 
b. Patients may also experience whistling sounds when inhaling. 
c. Shortness of breath is a common symptom. 
d. Chest tightening and pain 
e. Patients also experience difficulties in sleeping due to constant coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Then the above symptoms become more troublesome, and breathing becomes more difficult necessitating the use of quick-relief inhaler more often, then patients should know that their asthma condition is worsening.

4. What the Remedies of Asthma?

There are myriad asthma medicines available. It is difficult for patients to choose which one to buy. It is important to know that asthma medicines occur in two different types- the controller and the quick relief. The controller type is taken to prevent a patient from asthma attacks and symptoms. They can be used on a day-to-day basis. The relief type are taken when a patient already has an attack to nullify the symptoms. However, it important to always seek the advice of a doctor in case of the symptoms; remember that asthma can be life-threatening.