Asthma - A disease that affects your lungs ~ Happy Life Connections

Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways. These are the small tubes, called bronchi, which carry air in and out of the lungs. If you have asthma, the bronchi will be inflamed and more sensitive than normal. When you come into contact with something that irritates your lungs, known as a trigger, your airways become narrow, the muscles around them tighten and there is an increase in the production of sticky mucus (phlegm). This makes it difficult to breathe and causes wheezing and coughing. It may also make your chest feel tight.

The most common asthma signs and symptoms are coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. For some people, asthma symptoms are a minor nuisance. For others, they're a major problem that interferes with daily activities. For some people with chronic (long-lasting) asthma, long-term inflammation of the airways may lead to more permanent narrowing.

Asthma can't be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Treatments include taking steps to avoid your particular asthma triggers, using long-term control medications to prevent flare-ups and using a quick-relief inhaler to control symptoms once they start. Because asthma changes over time, you'll work with your doctor to track your signs and symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.

Common Asthma Triggers

A trigger is anything that irritates the airways and brings on the symptoms of asthma. These differ from person to person and people with asthma may have several triggers. There is no single cause of asthma, but certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing it. These include genetic factors and the environment.

The common triggers include

Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, mold, cockroaches and dust mites
Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
Cold air
Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke
Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Strong emotions and stress
Menstrual cycle in some women
Allergic reactions to some foods, such as peanuts or shellfish

Factors that are known to increase the likelihood of developing asthma include:

A family history of asthma or other related allergic conditions (known as atopic conditions), such as eczema, food allergy or hay fever
Developing another atopic condition such as a food allergy
Having bronchiolitis as a child (a common lung infection among children)
Being overweight
Being a smoker
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Having a mother who smoked while pregnant
Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution
Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing
Being born prematurely (especially if you needed a ventilator)
Being born with a low birth weight (less than 2kg or 4.5 pounds)

Asthma symptoms range from minor to severe and vary from person to person. You may have mild symptoms and asthma attacks may be infrequent.

Asthma signs and symptoms include:

Shortness of breath
Chest tightness or pain
Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
An audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of asthma in children)
Bouts of coughing or wheezing that are worsened by a respiratory virus such as a cold or the flu

For some people, asthma symptoms flare up in certain situations:

Exercise-induced asthma occurs during exercise. For many people, exercise-induced asthma is worse when the air is cold and dry.

Occupational asthma is asthma that's caused or worsened by breathing in a workplace irritant such as chemical fumes, gases or dust.

Allergy-induced asthma. Some people have asthma symptoms that are triggered by particular allergens, such as pet dander, cockroaches or pollen.

Controlling or preventing Asthma by bringing a change in your lifestyle:

Although many people with asthma rely on medications to prevent and relieve symptoms, you can do several things on your own to maintain your health and lessen the possibility of asthma attacks.

Avoid your triggers

Taking steps to reduce your exposure to things that trigger asthma symptoms is a key part of asthma control. Here are some things that may help:

Use your air conditioner - Air conditioning reduces the amount of airborne pollen from trees, grasses and weeds that find its way indoors. Air conditioning also lowers indoor humidity and can reduce your exposure to dust mites. If you don't have air conditioning, try to keep your windows closed during pollen season.

Decontaminate your decor - Minimize dust that may worsen night time symptoms by replacing certain items in your bedroom. Encase pillows, mattresses and box springs in dust-proof covers.

Keep indoor air clean. Have a check done for your air conditioner and furnace once a year. Change the filters in your furnace and air conditioner. If you use a humidifier, change the water daily.

Reduce pet dander. If you're allergic to dander, avoid pets with fur or feathers. Having pets regularly bathed or groomed also may reduce the amount of dander in your surroundings.

Clean regularly. Clean your home at least once a week. If you're likely to stir up dust, wear a mask or have someone else do the cleaning.

If it's cold out, cover your face. If your asthma is worsened by cold, dry air, wearing a face mask can help.

Stay healthy

Taking care of yourself and treating other conditions linked to asthma will help keep your symptoms under control. A few things you can do include:

Get regular exercise. Having asthma doesn't mean you have to be less active. Treatment can prevent asthma attacks and control symptoms during activity. Regular exercise can strengthen your heart and lungs, which helps relieve asthma symptoms. Keep in mind that exercising in cold weather may trigger asthma symptoms. If you do exercise in cold temperatures, wear a face mask to warm the air you breathe.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can worsen asthma symptoms, and it puts you at higher risk of other health problems.

Eat fruits and vegetables. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may increase lung function and reduce asthma symptoms. These foods are rich in protective nutrients (antioxidants) that boost the immune system.

Control heartburn - It's possible that the acid reflux that causes heartburn may damage lung airways and worsen asthma symptoms. If you have frequent or constant heartburn, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Working together, you and your doctor can design a step-by-step plan for living with your condition and preventing asthma attacks.

Follow your asthma action plan - With your doctor write a detailed plan for taking medications and managing an asthma attack. Then be sure to follow your plan. Asthma is an ongoing condition that needs regular monitoring and treatment. Taking control of your treatment can make you feel more in control of your life in general.

Identify and avoid asthma triggers - Find out what causes or worsens your asthma, and take steps to avoid those triggers.

Monitor your breathing - Recognize warning signs of an impending attack, such as slight coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. Regularly measure and record your peak airflow with a home peak flow meter.

Identify and treat attacks early - If you act quickly, you're less likely to have a severe attack. Take your medication as instructed and immediately stop any activity that may have triggered the attack. If your symptoms don't improve, get medical help as directed in your action plan.

Take your medication as prescribed - Just because your asthma seems to be improving, don't change anything without first talking to your doctor. It's a good idea to bring your medications with you to each doctor visit, so your doctor can double-check that you're using your medications correctly and taking the right dose.

Pay attention to increasing quick-relief inhaler use - If you find yourself relying on your quick-relief inhaler, your asthma isn't under control. See your doctor about adjusting your treatment.