Below, you’ll find must-know information about asthma.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can make breathing difficult.
The inflammation causes the airways to become more sensitive to certain triggers, such as dust, pollen, animal dander, and cigarette smoke, which can cause symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
Asthma can range from mild to severe, and is a long-term condition, but it can be managed with proper treatment, monitoring, and avoiding triggers.
It is estimated that over 25 million people in the US have asthma.
If left untreated, asthma can be dangerous and may cause many problems. For example, it can lead to respiratory failure and other complications. In severe cases, it can even lead to death.
Regular monitoring and treatment, as well as avoiding triggers, are essential for managing asthma and minimizing the risk of severe complications.
There are different types of asthma which are explained below.
Eosinophilic asthma is a type of asthma characterized by high levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the airways. These cells are involved in the body’s inflammatory response, and their presence in the airways can lead to increased inflammation and symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Eosinophilic asthma is a subtype of severe asthma and is typically treated with a combination of medications, including inhaled corticosteroids and biological therapies, which target the underlying inflammation.
Bronchitis asthma is a type of asthma characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, which are the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. It is also known as asthma-bronchitis overlap syndrome, which is a condition where the airways are inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult to breathe.
This type of asthma is caused by a combination of factors, such as exposure to irritants, viral infections, and genetic predisposition.
Allergic asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by certain allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, or mold. The immune system of the body identifies the allergens as a threat and reacts. These allergic reactions can occur through inhalation, injection, or skin contact.
Occupational asthma is a type of asthma that is caused by exposure to substances in the workplace. These substances can include animal or plant materials, chemicals, enzymes, or other things that are breathed in or touched.
Seasonal asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, mold, and cold air. It is more common in the spring and fall when the levels of certain allergens are highest.
Chronic asthma is a long-term, persistent condition that requires ongoing management, typically with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.
Exercise-induced asthma, also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, is a type of asthma that is triggered by physical activity. During exercise, the airways of the lungs can become narrow, making it more difficult to breathe.
Other types of asthma are non-allergic asthma, adult-onset asthma, childhood asthma, difficult asthma, and severe asthma.
It’s important to know the symptoms of asthma since it can be serious and even life-threatening.
Below are asthma symptoms worth knowing about.
6. Wheezing Sound When Breathing
Wheezing is a sound produced when the airway is constricted, narrowed, or partially blocked. This sound occurs in people with asthma and other medical conditions.
During an attack of asthma, the airways are irritated and become obstructed. As the body reacts, respiratory muscles contract. This causes spasms, resulting in an increased production of mucus. This causes the walls of the airways to vibrate, producing the wheezing sound when the patient is breathing.
5. Difficulty in Breathing
People with asthma have a hard time breathing because the airways become narrow and inflamed. This causes the muscles surrounding the bronchi to tighten, preventing a free flow of air into and out of the lungs.
The resulting shortness of breath can be severe or mild. Smoke and other strong smells could trigger the patient to experience difficulty in breathing.
4. A Tight Feeling In The Chest Area
A tight feeling in the chest area can be a symptom of asthma. It can be associated with other symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
Inhaling irritants can trigger asthma symptoms such as a tight feeling in the chest area. This causes the muscles surrounding the airways to contract. They become narrow causing a tight feeling in the chest area.
3. Trouble Sleeping
People with asthma usually have trouble sleeping. They are bothered by the difficulty of breathing brought about by secretions, congestion, severe coughing, and wheezing.
The patient’s sleeping position can also hamper sleep. Certain sleep positions can put pressure on the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. More often than not, most asthmatic patients would rather sit up to sleep. They can also prop more pillows to support their back while sleeping.
2. Severe Coughing
Severe coughing is caused by inflamed and swollen airways. The inflammation blocks the airways, causing the patient to cough more. Coughing can be especially bad at night when the airway is closed.
Other triggers can be environmental irritants. Pollen and dust mites are known to irritate the airways. Even if the air is clean, the patient might still cough.
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