Asthma is a chronic lung disease affecting people of all ages. It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe.
Symptoms of ASTHMA
- a persistent cough, especially at night
- wheezing when exhaling and sometimes when inhaling
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sometimes even when resting
- chest tightness, making it difficult to breathe deeply.
Risk factors of ASTHMA
Many factors have been linked to an increased risk of developing asthma, although it is often difficult to find a single, direct cause.
- Asthma is more likely if other family members also have asthma – particularly a close relative, such as a parent or sibling.
- Asthma is more likely in people who have other allergic conditions, such as eczema and rhinitis (hay fever).
- Urbanization is associated with increased asthma prevalence, probably due to multiple lifestyle factors.
- Events in early life affect the developing lungs and can increase the risk of asthma. These include low birth weight, prematurity, exposure to tobacco smoke and other sources of air pollution, as well as viral respiratory infections.
- Exposure to a range of environmental allergens and irritants are also thought to increase the risk of asthma, including indoor and outdoor air pollution, house dust mites, moulds, and occupational exposure to chemicals, fumes or dust.
- Children and adults who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk of asthma.
How to control your Asthma:
- Make sure you know how to use your inhaler correctly, and use it as often as the Pulmonologist says.
- Go to the Pulmonologist at least once a year for check-ups, or right away if you have had an asthma attack or flare up of symptoms. Go even when you feel fine and have no breathing problems.
- Ask for a written asthma action plan so you will know when your asthma is getting worse and how to respond.
- Stay away from things that start your asthma attacks like animal furs, dust, pollens etc.
Conclusion:
You can control Asthma with proper Pulmonologist’s treatment and care. Asthma does not have to limit your life. All over the world, many people have asthma. People with asthma can have normal, active lives when they learn to control their asthma. When your asthma is under control, you can work, play, and go to school. You can sleep well at night. The only prevention is you can do is to take treatment at right time and avoid the triggering agents of Asthma.
Sources
Global initiative for Asthma and WHO.
Credits
Image: frepik.com
