Asthma – What is asthma?

Asthma facts

Asthma is a chronic health condition characterized by inflammation of the airways of the lungs. This inflammation makes the airways highly sensitive. Because people with asthma have sensitive airways, when they are exposed to certain trigger factors (such as cold air, some medications or things to which they are allergic), their over sensitive airways narrow, reducing the airflow through them results in noticeable asthma symptoms or as asthma attack.

• Asthma trigger is anything that brings asthma symptoms. Different people have different triggers. Allergens include house dust mites, pollens, animal dander (skin scales or feathers of animals) and moulds. Other asthma triggers include some medications (such as aspirin), air pollution, cold air and ambient temperature changes.
• Asthma cannot be cured but your doctor can help you to keep asthma under control. To control asthma you should visit your doctor regularly, take your asthma medicines as directed, monitor your asthma by using a peak flow meter.


Asthma cannot be cured

• Asthma can affect babies, children and adults. In babies, a regular wheeze can be the first indication that a baby might have asthma. If there is also a cough and some shortness of breath then asthma may be suspected as the cause.
• Although many people with asthma find that exercise can trigger their asthma symptoms, this does not mean that people with asthma should avoid exercise. Improving your aerobic fitness and general condition could help prevent exercise-induced asthma.
• Stress and emotion can cause the worsening of asthma symptoms in some people. For example, crying or laughter can increase the rate and depth of breathing.
• The incidence of asthma and asthma related illness is increasing in the world. It is believed to cause 180,000 deaths a year around the world.
• Asthma is a legitimate medical concern. Although anxiety and stress can trigger or worsen an asthma attack, the basis for the disease is physical and not psychological.

It is important to remember to ask your doctor before you take any medication.