Some Common Senses of Asthma
What is asthma?
Asthma is the result of chronic inflammation of the conducting zone of the airways (most especially the bronchi and bronchioles), which subsequently results in increased contractability of the surrounding smooth muscles. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These episodes may occur a few times a day or a few times per week. Depending on the person, they may become worse at night or with exercise.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Asthma is characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Sputum may be produced from the lung by coughing but is often hard to bring up. During recovery from an attack, it may appear pus-like due to high levels of white blood cells called eosinophils. Symptoms are usually worse at night and in the early morning or in response to exercise or cold air. Some people with asthma rarely experience symptoms, usually in response to triggers, whereas others may have marked and persistent symptoms.
What are the main causes of asthma?
1. Genetic Family history is a risk factor for asthma, with many different genes being implicated. For example, if one identical twin is affected, the probability of the other having the disease is approximately 25%. Or if your parents or close relatives have asthma, you are more at risk of developing asthma.
2. Allergenic & Non-Allergenic Some allergenic factors that can lead to exacerbation of asthma include dust mites, animal dander (especially cat and dog hair), cockroach allergens and mold. Perfumes are a common cause of acute attacks in women and children. Both viral and bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract can worsen the disease.
There are also some non-allergenic factors can lead to asthma include psychological stress, exercise, virus, cold air, air pollution etc.
3. Occupational Some people are exposed to some certain chemicals, for example formaldehyde, phthalates, acetaminophen, which may be a trigger for asthma as well.
How to control asthma long-termly at home?
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Establish an effective communication channel with your doctor. Consult and follow the doctor’s advice.
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Avoidance of triggers and lifestyle modification are very important for improving control and preventing attacks.
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Do a good job in self-management. Completely record the peak expiratory flow rate by your self or keep asthma diary.
How does the asthma incidence look like?
Asthma is a world-recognized medical problem, it has been listed as one of the four persistent ailments by World Health Organization. It caused about 397,100 deaths in 2015 alone. One study showed that the illness of more than 70% of asthma patients has not been effectively controlled. It means they have to face the risks of serious asthma attack and long-term lung damage.
Actually most of the asthma patients can keep their illness under good control and enjoy the life through education, Avoidance of triggers and correct medication.
Why does asthma often occur at night?
The hormone level in our body will drop at night, the inflammatory cell infiltration in respiratory tract will enhance and inflammation-causing substances will increase. This will lead to an intensified asthma symptoms. Besides, the contact with allergic factors or a poor control of asthma will increase the symptoms as well. In oder to avoid asthma occurrence at night, you need to use medications long-termly.
Why do I have asthma attack during exercise?
There is a term called the exercise-induced asthma, which means the acute airway stenosis and increased airway resistance after intense exercise. 90% of asthma patients will experience exercise-induced asthma, specifically teenagers. However, it doesn’t mean that asthma patients are hopeless at sport.
If asthma limits your athletic ability, that’s because your illness is not under good control, and you need to see the doctor. All the asthma patients should consult their doctors, before they plan to start a sport.
