Severe Breathing Problem Can Cause Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition which can be described as an inflammation of the lung airways or breathing passages. Because of their narrowness as caused by the inflammation, the airways become sensitive to various triggering factors.
The external and internal factors, triggering inflammation, cause swelling in the airways and fill mucus in them. The breathing passages become narrower with the contraction of the muscles within them (called bronchospasm). Because of the narrow passages it becomes difficult to breath out the air from the lungs, giving signal for asthma attack.
Causes
The exact causes of asthma remain unknown as researches are still underway to know as to why some people are hit by asthma. According to a study some people have an inborn tendency of developing asthma. Research is presently underway to identify the genetic factor behind the tendency to develop asthma. Moreover your surroundings and lifestyle may play a role in determining asthma attacks on you.
The cells in our immune system become reactive on sensing invaders. Their reactions against the invader lead to formation of mucus and bronchospasms which in turn show symptoms of asthma attack. By invaders we mean triggers which may not be common in all cases of asthma.
Symptoms
Asthma attack is triggered with the irritation and infection of breathing passages. Wheezing, shortness of breath, feeling of tightness in chest, coughing and inability to speak properly are the common symptoms of asthma attack.
Self-Care
The cure of asthma is not available, although it can be controlled with early diagnosis and timely and proper treatment. In absence of treatment, the frequency and severity of asthma attacks may increase and even lead to death. The self-care treatment which is available for asthma at present is designed to reduce discomfort. Let us go through the few of them.
The first and foremost requirement to treat asthma is to know what triggers it and accordingly find ways to avoid it.
If you smoke, give it up.
Avoid taking cough medicine as it may lead to side effects.
Before taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, consult your doctor if these medications have any harmful effect on your body. In some individuals with asthma, such drugs are found to be worsening the condition.
Avoid using nonprescription inhalers which cannot provide relief in long run and rather they can result in some side effects.
