ALL ABOUT HEALTH (AAH)

Asthma, also known as bronchial asthma, is a disease that affect the lungs and the airway, and it is characterized by narrowing of the airway (bronchi), production of excess mucus, and inflammation of the airway.

Asthma is a common disease among people, and can affect anyone of any age. The sad part is that, “it is not curable”.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS AN ASTHMATIC ATTACK?

• Bronchospasm: This means that the muscles around the airway contract and tighten the airway, and make it difficult for air to pass.
• Production of mucus: There is production of excess mucus around the airway, which clog the air passage and prevents air from moving freely.
• Inflammation: The airway gets swollen, and make it tight aside from the contractions of the muscle around the airway and make it difficult for air to pass.

TYPES OF ASTHMA

• Allergic Asthma: This type of asthma is caused by certain allergies (the causes are known as triggers). The allergens include pests, pets, pollen, dander.
• Exercise Induced Asthma: This asthma can happen to people who don’t even have any record of asthma. It happens when you participate in a serious exercise session if you’re not consistent with it (especially running) You’ll have to choose a position that will make your lung free to pass air.
• Pediatric Asthma: This is also called childhood asthma. It happens to children and even infants. Such child can outgrow this type of asthma as he/she grows.
• Occupational Asthma: This type of asthma can be acquired at workplaces with certain substances which may include dusts and other factor.
• Persistent Asthma: This is a type of asthma that shows consistent symptoms.
• Severe Asthma: This is when symptoms occur more than three (3) times in a week

CAUSES OF ASTHMA

• Allergies
• Environmental factors: This is when substances that irritate the airway are available in the environment.
• Genetics
• Respiratory Infections

CERTAIN TRIGGERS OF ASTHMA

• Infections
• Dusts
• Pollen
• Pest and pets
• Exercise
• Air pollution
• Tobacco smokes
• Strong chemical smells and more…

SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA

• Chest tightness
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

CONTROL OF ASTHMA

There are certain measure to treat asthma which include and is not limited to:

Medications:

• Bronchodilators: This medication relaxes the muscles around the airway.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: This medicines help reduce the inflammation and mucus production around the airway.

Therapy:

Biologic Therapies for Asthma: This method is to be considered when symptoms are getting worse and out of hands.

People living with ASTHMA are great WARRIORS. Let’s help them by showing them care, love and concern. Let’s help the people with the severe symptoms.

Reference: Clevelandclinic

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