Asthma is a condition in which a person's airways becomes narrow, swells up and produces extra mucus, which triggers coughing, wheezing (panting) and makes it difficult to breathe. Asthma can be a big problem that interferes with a person’s daily activities and may eventually lead to a life-threatening situation known as asthma attack. Although asthma can't be cured, its symptoms can be controlled. The condition changes over time, and so it's important that you speak with your doctor to monitor the accompanying symptoms so that a treatment plan can be developed.
Risk factors
The very reason why some people get asthma and others don't isn’t clear. Dr. Choice Onyinyechi Wereko-Dankwa, Medifem Multi-specialist Hospital and Fertility Centre, points out a number of environmental and genetic (inherited) factors as being the cause of asthma. This includes: a relative (parent or sibling) with asthma; exposure to airborne substances, such as smoke, dust mites, or particles of insect waste; exposure to chemicals used in perfume, farming, hairdressing and manufacturing; exercise-induced asthma – (a racing heart after doing rigorous physical activity) and respiratory infections, such as common cold and flu. Some other risk factors are due to obesity (being overweight); experiencing strong emotions and stress; some preservatives in foods and beverages and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which the stomach acids gushes up into your throat.
Symptoms of asthma
The symptoms of asthma occur differently from one person to another. The symptoms may show up at certain times such as while exercising or it may become frequent. Signs and symptoms to look out for include: shortness of breath when you are involved in a physical activity; chest tightness or pain due to cold or flu; difficulty sleeping due to shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing and when you react negatively (allergic) to smoke, dust, chemicals or particles of insect waste. “Asthma attacks can be life-threatening. For this reason, it’s important for you to seek medical advice on what to do when your signs and symptoms show up,” Dr. Choice advised.
How is asthma Diagnosed?
Doctors undertake a physical exam by asking you questions about your signs and symptoms and about any other health problems. To begin the diagnosis, doctors perform a lung (pulmonary) function test to determine how much air moves in and out as you breathe. The test involves using: a Spirometer - to estimate the narrowing of your bronchial (lung) tubes by how much air you exhale after a deep breath and how fast you breathe out. A peak flow meter is also used - this is a simple device used to measure how hard you can breathe out. When the reading is lower it’s a sign your asthma may be getting worse. Another way to diagnose asthma is through imaging scans – either a chest X-ray or CT scan of your lungs and nose cavities to identify any infection.
Treatment for asthma
Effective medication is essential in stopping asthma attacks before it start. Doctors encourage you to learn to recognize what triggers your attacks, in order to take steps to avoid them. Being able to track the signs and symptoms helps you to use your medications to keep the symptoms under control. “Depending on your age and what triggers your asthma, doctors can prescribe medications to suit your condition. The most common and effective way of controlling asthma attack is the use of quick-relief inhalers. These inhalers help to open blocked airways that are inhibiting your breathing,” Dr. Choice said.
Source:
Interview with Dr. Choice Onyinyechi Wereko-Dankwa, Medifem Multi-specialist Hospital and Fertility Centre
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/basics/definition/con-20026992
Picture courtesy: organicnutrition.co.uk
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