How does astma affects breathing?

Asthma affects breathing primarily by causing airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Here's how asthma can affect breathing:

Airway Inflammation: In asthma, the airways (bronchi) become inflamed and swollen. This inflammation is caused by various triggers, such as allergens, irritants, or exercise. The inflammatory process involves the release of substances like histamine, leukotrienes, and interleukins, which cause the airways to become red, swollen, and filled with mucus.

Airway Narrowing: The inflammation and swelling of the airways lead to airway narrowing. This makes it harder for air to flow in and out of the lungs. Narrowed airways increase the resistance to airflow, causing difficulty breathing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Airway Hyperresponsiveness: Another characteristic of asthma is airway hyperresponsiveness. This means that the airways react more intensely to triggers compared to healthy individuals. Even minor triggers can cause the airways to narrow significantly, leading to an asthma attack.

Bronchospasm: During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the airways contract, causing further narrowing of the airways. This phenomenon is known as bronchospasm. Bronchospasm intensifies the difficulty breathing and wheezing associated with asthma.

Increased Mucus Production: Asthma can also cause the airways to produce excess mucus. This thick, sticky mucus clogs the airways, obstructs airflow, and contributes to shortness of breath and coughing.

These effects of asthma can result in episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty performing physical activities. The severity of asthma can vary from mild intermittent symptoms to severe chronic symptoms that significantly impact a person's quality of life. Proper management of asthma with medications, lifestyle modifications, and avoiding triggers is crucial for controlling the condition and preventing acute asthma attacks.