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Asthma
Your bronchus (windpipe) has few branches called bronchial tubes that function to take air into and out of the lungs. When these bronchial tubes narrow due to swelling, the lining of these airways begin to produce more mucus. As the airway wall also swell, a sufferer finds it difficult to breathe, causing the feeling of not getting enough air into the lungs. This feeling is referred to by physicians as asthma.
With some people asthma appears to be an allergic reaction, and it is chronic. An allergic reaction is commonly provoked by specific allergens that waft through he air and are inhaled such as animal dander, dust mites, pollen, molds, and certain foods like milk, nut, wheat or eggs.
Other allergens that may trigger allergic reactions, especially asthma include:
- Cockroach waste products
- Strong fumes
- Smoke
- Dust
An allergen is anything that triggers an allergic reaction. Ironically, some people are genetically reactive to certain allergens.
| What are the symptoms of asthma? |
Asthmatics have hyper-responsive or extra sensitive bronchial tubes. When their airways get irritated, they swell and narrow so that air can hardly go into or out of the lungs. The following conditions are evident to bronchial obstruction:
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Poor exercise tolerance
Sudden attacks of shortness of breath may lead to rapid deterioration, and may require hospitalization. Treatment of asthma starts with avoiding the irritation of the bronchial tubes and airways. This means that you'll have to avoid exposure to any possible allergens that may trigger allergic reactions.
Causes of asthma can be broadly categorized in three classes - infectious causes, bronchoconstriction and allergic reaction:
Asthma can be caused by a viral or bacterial invasion of the bronchial tubes. When bacteria lodges on the bronchial wall, they multiply and engorge the bronchial tissues, causing the airway passage to swell and narrow. As a result air can hardly enter or exit the lungs area.
Sometimes the muscles that encircle the airways into the lungs may tighten or go into spasms. When this happens, air can hardly enter or exit the lungs. This condition causes shortness of breath and is known as bronchoconstriction.
As already mentioned, asthma appears to an allergic reaction with some people. Certain substances that waft through the air may stimulate or cause asthma if inhaled. These include allergens such as pollen, molds, animal dander, and certain foods
| What do I do with my asthma? |
Asthma cannot be cured, but for most patients it can be controlled so that you have only minimal and infrequent symptoms and you can live an active life. As already mentioned, you'll need to avoid exposure to any possible allergen that may trigger an allergic reaction.
Learn how you can control the following allergens:
- Molds
- Pollen
- Dust mites
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