Asthma
Asthma is a common condition that causes difficulty breathing and is characterized by a wheezing sound.
Asthma Symptoms
Asthma Symptoms usually begin in childhood, however there are cases of adult onset.
Symptoms of asthma appear as recurrent attacks and are separated by periods of remission when the person is symptom free:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Difficult breathing
The sufferer may hunch forward in an upright position in an attempt to ease the breathing difficulty. Coughing and wheezing may be worse at night or worsen with exercise or when breathing in cold air. An acute attack can be very exhausting and frightening to the sufferer as well as those around them.
If the person experiencing and asthmatic attack has any of the following signs or symptoms, medical assistance should be found immediately.
- Blue coloration of the skin, lips, or face
- Severe shortness of breath
- Loss of consciousness or alertness
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Rapid pulse
- Sweating
Asthma Causes
Asthma is caused by a spasm of the bronchi, which are the tubes carrying air the into lungs or by swelling of the mucus membranes lining the bronchi. This spasm reaction may result from an Allergic Reaction to an allergen such as pollen, dust, molds, foods, or animal dander. Other triggers include a respiratory infection (i.e. Bronchitis), or irritants such as smoke or chemicals. Aspirin may trigger an onset of asthma in some persons.
Asthma Diagnosis
If the aforementioned symptoms appear it can be necessary to seek an evaluation by a physician without delay. The evaluation may include a physical examination, chest x-rays, blood tests, allergy tests, or lung function evaluation.
Asthma Treatment
As for treatment severe attacks may require emergency medical attention. If the onset of asthma was during childhood, 50% of those patients will outgrow the disorder naturally. For treatment of asthma attacks, a physician may prescribe an expectorant to loosen mucus secretions; bronchodilators to widen airways; or recommend carrying a nebulizer, which is medication inhaled by use of a device that produces a fine spray.
Last update: April 13, 2011