The airways get constricted, enlarged and produce mucus in asthma. This may make breathing difficult, leads to coughing and wheezing on exhalation and shortness of breath.

Asthma may present as a mild disease in some people. Others may experience a serious issue that hinders daily activities and might result in a potentially fatal asthma attack.

Although asthma cannot be cured, its symptoms are manageable. One must cooperate with the doctor to monitor signs and symptoms and modify therapy as necessary since asthma frequently changes over time.

 

Causes:

 

It is challenging to identify a single, direct cause of asthma. However, several variables have been associated with an elevated risk of developing the condition. Even though asthma is more prevalent in children, many people don't develop it until they become adults.

 

There isn't a single known cause of asthma, researchers believe that there are several factors that lead to bronchial asthma which include:

 

• If a close family member, like a parent or sibling, already has asthma, the likelihood of developing asthma increases.
• People with other allergy disorders, like eczema and rhinitis (hay fever), are more prone to develop asthma.
• Asthma prevalence rises with urbanization, most likely as a result of many lifestyle modifications.
• Early childhood experiences have an impact on how the lungs develop and can increase the likelihood of asthma. Low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to cigarette smoke and other sources of air pollution and viral respiratory infections may increase the risk.
• Risk is considered to be increased by exposure to a variety of environmental allergens and irritants, such as mould, dust mites, outdoor and indoor air pollution, chemical, fume and dust exposure at work.
• Asthma is more likely to affect overweight children and adults.

 

A variety of other causes might potentially aggravate asthma symptoms. Triggers may vary, some patients may be more sensitive than others to particular triggers.

 

 The most typical asthma triggers are:

 

• Respiratory infections 
• Environmental irritants
• Allergies
• Exercise
• Intense feelings
• Severe climatic circumstances
• Pest control drugs
• Certain medications, such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

 

Asthma attack:

 

The airways widen and constrict during an asthma attack, making breathing difficult. During asthma attacks, the symptoms deteriorate dramatically. Attacks can start abruptly or develop gradually, they can also be deadly. Severe asthmatics are more likely to get asthma attacks.

An asthma attack is rather frightening. For some people, coughing is the first sign of an attack. During an attack, the chest may feel constricted or as if someone is sitting on it. A few report feeling as if the air is being sucked out of them or as if they are trying to breathe through a straw. One may begin to wheeze or experience dizziness.

 

Types of Asthma: 

 

Based on the underlying reason and the intensity of the symptoms, there are many forms of asthma. Asthma is defined by medical professionals as follows:

 

1. Intermittent Asthma: Asthma that is intermittent allows one to feel healthy in between asthma attacks.

 

1. Persistent Asthma: In case of persistent asthma, one has symptoms consistently. Symptoms might range from minor to severe. The severity of asthma is assessed by medical professionals based on how frequently one has symptoms. They also take into account the ability of lung function through an attack.

 

Symptoms: 

 

At some point, people with asthma suffer tightness in their chest, shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing. The secret to effectively controlling asthma is to collaborate with a healthcare professional. Together, one can identify the situations or exposures, known as "asthma triggers," that puts one at most risk for an asthma attack. One can also learn what to do if one encounters symptoms and when to seek medical attention or emergency assistance.

 

Although asthma can be fatal, it can be controlled to reduce symptoms and allows sufferers to lead active, healthy lives.

 

Asthma symptoms might include:

• Chest constriction
• Coughing, particularly in the evening or early in the morning.
• Breathing difficulty
• Wheezing (making a whistling sound while exhaling)

 

These symptoms may be brought on by other illnesses. However, the signs of asthma frequently have a pattern:

 

• They appear and disappear over time or in a single day.
• Viral infections, like cold, may cause them to begin or make them worse.
• Exercise, allergies, cold or hyperventilation due to weeping or laughing can also cause them.
• They are worse in the mornings and nights.

 

Diagnosis: 

 

The medical history, including information about parents and siblings, has to be reviewed by the doctor. The physician will also inquire about symptoms. Any background of allergies, eczema (an itchy rash brought on by allergies), or other lung conditions must be disclosed to healthcare professional.

 

The doctor could also ask for a spirometry test. This examination measures the health of the lungs and is utilized to both diagnose and monitor recovery. The doctor could advise for a chest X-ray, blood test, or skin test.

 

Treatment:

 

There are two main types of asthma treatments:

• Quick-acting remedies
• Long-term medicines

 

Sometimes a combination of quick-acting and long-term medications is used for immediate relief. 

 

The physician will suggest a single therapy or a combination of therapies based on:

 

• Age, type of asthma, and its causes
• Treatment strategy may also include identifying triggers, keeping a close eye on symptoms, and taking precautions to prevent flare-ups.

Conclusion:

Asthma is a condition in which a person's airways become inflamed, narrowed, swollen and produce extra mucus, making breathing difficult. Asthma can be mild or severe, interfering with daily activities. In some cases, it may result in a life-threatening attack. Symptoms include breathing difficulty, chest pain, coughing and wheezing. The symptoms may occasionally worsen.

Asthma is typically managed with rescue inhalers (salbutamol) to treat symptoms and controller inhalers (steroids) to prevent symptoms. In severe cases, longer-acting inhalers that keep the airways open (formoterol, salmeterol, and tiotropium) as well as inhalant steroids, may be required.