Causes, incidence, and risk factors asthma'Asthma' is a disease in which inflammation of the airways causes airflow into and out of the lungs to be
restricted. When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles of the bronchial tree become tight and the lining of the air passages swells, reducing airflow and producing the characteristic wheezing sound. Mucus production is increased.
Most people with asthma have periodic wheezing attacks separated by symptom-free periods. Some asthmatics have chronic shortness of breath with episodes of increased shortness of breath. Other asthmatics may have cough as their predominant symptom. Asthma attacks can last minutes to days, and can become dangerous if the airflow becomes severely restricted.
Asthma symptoms can be triggered by inhaled allergens (allergy triggers), such as pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, or pollens. Asthma symptoms can also be triggered by respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, tobacco smoke and other pollutants, stress, food, or drug allergies. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) provoke asthma in some patients.
Asthma is found in 3-5% of adults and 7-10% of children. Half of the people with asthma develop it before age 10, and most develop it before age 30. Asthma symptoms can decrease over time, especially in children.
Many people with asthma have an individual and/or family history of allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or eczema. Others have no history of allergies or evidence of allergic problems.
Symptoms
wheezing
usually begins suddenly
is episodic
may be worse at night or in early morning
aggravated by exposure to cold air
aggravated by exercise
aggravated by heartburn (reflux)
resolves spontaneously
relieved by bronchodilators (drugs that open the airways)
cough with or without sputum (phlegm) production
Extreme symtomps
extreme difficulty breathing
bluish color to the lips and face
severe anxiety due to shortness of breath
rapid pulse
sweating
Asthma Treatment
avoid the matter which allergen.
a Treatment is aimed at avoiding known allergens and respiratory irritants and controlling symptoms and airway inflammation through medication. Allergens can, sometimes be identified by noting which substances cause an allergic reaction.Allergy testing its helpful in identifying allergens in patients with persistent asthma. Common allergens include: pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, and pollens. Common respiratory irritants include: tobacco smoke, pollution, and fumes from burning wood or gas
Calling your health care provider
Prevention
Reduced by avoiding known allergens and respiratory irritants.
avoiding an animal if the person alergen with animal if that cannot be removed from the home, the animal should be kept out of the patient's bedroom.
Filtering material can be placed over the heating outlets to trap animal dander.
avoided cigarette smoke, air pollution, industrial dusts