Medical Explanation of Asthma

A condition that affects over 23 million people in the United States, with one third of those being children under the age of eighteen, asthma is a broad, all encompassing chronic condition.

Definition

• According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infection Diseases, asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by episodes of inflammation and narrowing of the lower airways in response to asthma triggers.

Symptoms

• Many people that have been diagnosed with asthma are quite familiar with the symptoms that come with an attack or daily living. These include wheezing (a whistling or high pitched sound when trying to breath), a feeling of tightness in the chest, shortness of breath and coughing. The coughing is usually present upon waking or later at night.

Triggers

• Depending on the severity and type of asthma that has been diagnosed, there are many triggers for asthmatic patients. The most common ones are animals (fur or saliva), dust, changes in the weather (especially cold weather), chemicals in the air or foods eaten, exercise, mold, pollen, respiratory infections such as the cold or flu, strong emotions (fear, anger, stress and sadness), tobacco smoke and even some medications such as asprin or non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).

Attacks

• When an asthma attack occurs, the lining of the bronchial tubes (airways) become swollen and inflammed as the muscles surrounding the airways constrict (tighten). This leads to less air being able to flow through, and wheezing may occur. It will feel as if the chest is tightening, and breathing will become more difficult if nothing is done to alter the situation, such as taking medicine or medical attention.

Treatment

• By figuring out what "triggers" the asthma, patients can greatly reduce or eliminate them from their lives. Doctors will prescibe either long-term, quick emergency type of medications or a combination of both. These can take the form of pills, inhaled liquids (through aerolization in a nebulize breathing machine), inhalers, or injected shots.