Allergies

Asthma is a very common disease that can affect people of all ages. What you may not know, is that asthma is actually caused by allergy. Surprising? Asthma is classified as a chronic lung disease. This also means that it cannot be cured. However, all hope is not lost. With the proper medications and habits, asthma can be very well-controlled. Individuals who suffer from asthma experience inflamed lung airways. This causes the airways to narrow, and thus causes the lungs to be more sensitive to allergens and irritants that we breathe. Asthma can be a life threatening condition, and individuals who suffer from severe asthma are usually prescribed an inhaler to keep on them at all times in case of flare ups or sudden attacks.

Symptoms of Asthma

The symptoms of asthma are usually predictable, and remain common throughout the different levels of asthma. Some of the more common symptoms of asthma include:

• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest, heaviness of the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
Many individuals with mild forms of asthma only experience a cough. This is categorized as “cough-variant asthma”.

What Can Cause Asthma?

Asthma, like all allergies, is passed on genetically from parent to child. If both parents suffer from asthma, the child has a very great chance of suffering from it as well. If only one parent has asthma, the chances are less, but still very possible. Different respiratory complications and diseases in infants and young children have been known to increase the chance of contracting asthma at a later date in life. Some of these complications include tract infections, lung diseases and environmental triggers such as low air quality.

How Are Asthma Attacks Triggered?

Respiratory tract infections are the most common trigger for asthma attacks in infants and children. Any sickness or irritant that affects the lungs can trigger in attack. In adults, the flu and common cold often set off asthma attacks.
Air-borne allergens can also set off asthma attacks. These allergens include pollen, dander, dust and mold. Asthma can worsen during certain seasons, due to seasonal allergens being more present in the air we breathe.

How Do You Control Asthma?

Individuals who suffer from asthma can usually tell when they are on the onset of an asthma attack. The most important thing someone can do in controlling their asthmatic outbreak is to recognize the signs, and take the precautionary measures outlined by their doctor. Your doctor may prescribe an inhaler, or other medication to lessen the symptoms. If you notice your asthma symptoms worsening over time, make sure to contact your doctor and explain the situation.

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