What is Asthma?
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the air passages in the lungs
Asthma is a lung disorder that obstructs breathing.
It is a condition wherein a person experiences chronic inflammation leading to narrowing of the airway that causes recurrent asthma attacks.
In such circumstances air flow to lungs is obstructed. Some of the common symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing and tightness in chest.
It is also known as bronchial asthma or reactive airway disease.
The exact cause of asthma is still undiscovered however in most cases it is linked to hereditary as well as environmental factors.
The Triggers
It is extremely important that one identifies what triggers asthma attacks and keep a check on them.
These triggers may vary from person to person and may include the following.
1. Indoor elements: Mold, dust mites, cockroaches, pet dander
2. Outdoor agents: Air pollution, smog, cigarette, smoke, paint fumes, sprays, pollen, industrial dust, chemicals
3. Food allergens: Peanuts, eggs, fish, milk, sulphites and food preservatives (food allergies basically)
4. Non-allergic triggers: Physical exercise, anxiety, anger
5. Others: Respiratory infections, medications like beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.
It is important to understand the fact that subtle symptoms of asthma can develop right during childhood and if left unchecked can progress into severe condition. Asthma, in general, if left untreated can turn out to be life threatening. It usually develops in people with allergies and family history.
When to Seek Professional Help?
-You feel that your breathlessness is meddling with your daily activities
-Your nails and lips turn blue with breathlessness and wheezing
-Coughing at night meddles with sleep
-Recurrent breathlessness
-Unexplained fatigue
-Inhaler doesn't help
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