Asthma
In 2002, an estimated 20 million Americans had asthma and 11 million had an asthma attack with youth becoming increasingly affected. Asthma is now the most common chronic disorder in childhood, currently affecting an estimated 6.2 million children under the age of 18. Asthma is sometimes confused with COPD, click here to read the entry on COPD.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs. It’s a chronic inflammation of the airways with reversible episodes of obstruction, caused by a heightened sensitivity to various stimuli.
Causes
Vigorous exercise, cigarette smoke, respiratory infections and allergic reactions to allergens such as dust mites, pets and mold are all factors that can trigger asthma.
Symptoms
Those affected by asthma usually suffer from wheezing, loss of breath, chest tightness and nighttime or early morning coughing. Breathing problems and wheezing associated with asthma typically occur in “episodes”—a series of events that result in narrowed airways.
Treatments
If not properly managed, asthma can be a life-threatening disease. Taking the proper medication can help control asthma. This medicine, either taken in the form of a pill or through an inhaler, can help to avoid the onset of asthma attacks. Quick-relief and long-term control options are both available. Quick relief medicines help to control the symptoms in the event of an attack while long-term control medication can reduce the number and severity of attacks but do not assist during an actual attack. If you are experiencing constant coughing, chest tightness, wheezing or colds lasting more than 10 days, contact your local health-care provider.
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What is asthma?
Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs. It’s a chronic inflammation of the airways with reversible episodes of obstruction, caused by a heightened sensitivity to various stimuli.
Causes
Vigorous exercise, cigarette smoke, respiratory infections and allergic reactions to allergens such as dust mites, pets and mold are all factors that can trigger asthma.
Symptoms
Those affected by asthma usually suffer from wheezing, loss of breath, chest tightness and nighttime or early morning coughing. Breathing problems and wheezing associated with asthma typically occur in “episodes”—a series of events that result in narrowed airways.
Treatments
If not properly managed, asthma can be a life-threatening disease. Taking the proper medication can help control asthma. This medicine, either taken in the form of a pill or through an inhaler, can help to avoid the onset of asthma attacks. Quick-relief and long-term control options are both available. Quick relief medicines help to control the symptoms in the event of an attack while long-term control medication can reduce the number and severity of attacks but do not assist during an actual attack. If you are experiencing constant coughing, chest tightness, wheezing or colds lasting more than 10 days, contact your local health-care provider.
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