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Asthma


Asthma may begin in the form of sneezing, headache or mild breathlessness and it may be ignored because it is mistaken for signs of the common cold or over-exertion. However these symptoms become bothersome when patients are forced to refrain from work or school or are forced to visit the hospital. Eventually the severity of asthma becomes evident.

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the respiratory system. It causes inflammation and constriction in the airways which are the tubes that transport air to and from the lungs. Inflammation or any contraction within these tubes increases the sensitivity of the tubes to allergens, cold, warm or moist air, and exertion or stress. The muscles that surround the airways shrink when they are exposed to any of these conditions and cause the tubes to narrow. The airways become further blocked when these muscles produce excess mucous. These changes cause breathing difficulties and cause wheezing or stridor, coughing and tightness in the chest.

An individual has an asthma attack when these symptoms become worse. The severity of an asthma attack varies among individuals. In severe cases, an asthma attack causes the basic oxygen supply that is transported to the vital organs to cease and this leads to death.

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Causes and Risk Factors



Although Asthma is a very common disease, the exact cause of the inflammation in the lungs is unknown. However, genetics increase the risk of developing asthma. In addition, an overexposure to allergens, irritants, smoke, tobacco and viral infections early in life also increase the risk of developing asthma. The factors that can aggravate asthma symptoms may vary among individuals but they can be broadly classified under the following categories:


Allergens:

Allergens are substances that can cause allergies. Common examples of allergens are animal dander such as skin, fur, and feathers, dust mites, cockroaches, mold, and pollen.


Irritants:

Irritants are substances that can irritate the inner lining of the respiratory tract and incite an asthma attack. Common examples of irritants are cigarette smoke, pollution, seasonal changes, emotional stress, perfumes, and materials that have strong odors such as paint, chemicals and spices.

Some individuals may be allergic to medicine like aspirin and beta-blockers that can force contraction in heart muscles. Allergies to nuts, dry fruits or wine can also incite an asthma attack. People suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) are also at a high risk of developing Asthma.


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