Asthma
Asthma derives its name from an ancient Greek word that means panting or short-drawn breath. It is the chronic inflammation or spasm of the respiratory airways that results in air flow obstruction. Asthma usually begins in childhood, although onset in adulthood is not uncommon. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease, characterized by constriction of the airways in the lungs, swelling of the lining of the bronchial tubes in the lungs, and secretion of excessive amounts of thick mucus. This can cause minor wheezing to severe difficulty in breathing. In some cases, the breathing may be so labored that an asthma attack becomes life-threatening. Asthma is commonly classified as extrinsic, intrinsic, exercise-induced, nocturnal, occupational, and steroid-resistant asthma.
Children's airways are narrower than those of adults. This means that triggers may evoke more serious responses in children. For this reason, it is important that asthma be diagnosed and treated correctly. For some children, this may mean taking daily medications even during times when the child is not having any symptoms of asthma.
The warning signs and symptoms of asthma in adults may include increased shortness of breath or wheezing; disturbed sleep caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing; oppression or pain in the chest; increased need to use bronchodilators or other medicines that open up the respiratory passages; a fall in peak flow rates as measured by a peak flow meter, a simple and inexpensive device that allows you to monitor your own lung function; an audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling; and frequent coughing spasms.
Asthma is caused due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors such as weather changes, smoke, perfumes, or other irritants; smoking; respiratory infections such as the common cold and sinusitis; physical exertion, including exercise; strong emotions and stress; cold air; and certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The treatment of asthma includes quick-relief medicines in the form of pills or inhalers for symptoms that are severe enough to cause breathlessness, prevention of symptoms by medications, and the management of trigger factors such as allergens. There is no specific way of preventing asthmatic attacks. The best way to minimize the number of attacks is to follow the asthma plan that you develop with your doctor or pediatrician and to eliminate the above mentioned triggers.
The following guidelines may help to keep asthma under control. Avoid smoke from cigarettes, cigars, pipes, barbecues, and fireplaces. Reduce your exposure to dust mites and mold by lowering indoor humidity. Staying indoors during the humid season or during weather changes, especially when the pollen count is high, can help to a great extent. Avoid dusting or using fans in closed and dusty places. Mopping could be used for cleaning. Exposure to dust mites can be reduced by encasing mattresses and pillows in allergen-impermeable covers, removing carpets from bedrooms, and by vacuuming regularly. A vaporizer or humidifier must not be used unless it is thoroughly cleaned. Close contact with pets should be avoided. Pet owners should bathe their pet weekly. Consult your doctor if the prescribed medicines fail to keep you breathing comfortably.
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