Asthma is a disorder that causes airways narrow to swell, which shortens breath, wheezing and chest tightness. When inflammation in the airways occurs the muscles surrounding them become tight and the lining of the air passages swells. This reduces the amount of air that can pass by.
Causes:
There is not an exact cause that explains why asthma attacks some people and not everyone. It is believed that this is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Asthma trigger´s varies from person to person such as:
- Dirt and Animal hair
- Mold
- Pollen
- Tobacco Smoke
- A common cold
- Menstrual cycle in some women
- Allergic reactions to certain food like peanuts or fish
- Chemicals in the air
Symptoms:
The symptoms just like the triggers also changes from person to person. However, majority experiences the same ones which are:
Cough with or without sputum production
Shorten breath that gets worse when performing an activity
Pulling of the skin between ribs when breathing
Wheezing
Symptoms of asthma when is getting worse:
- Speedy pulse
- Bluish color in face and lips
- extreme difficulty to breath
- Excessive sweating
- Low attentiveness, sleepiness and apprehension
On the other hand, there are other complications derived from this disorder:
- Permanent coughing
- Lack of sleep
- Breathing assistance (ventilator/oxygen)
- It the worst case scenario... Death
Asthma does not have a cure but it can be treated and stay under control with the right medicine and treatment. In most cases people who treat the disease can have normal lives and the same life expectations as people who is not affected by this breathing disorder.
