Information About Asthma

More than 22 million people in the United States struggle with the lung condition known as asthma, with 6 million of them children (see Resources). These figures don't include the many people who struggle with the disease, unknowingly. Because coughing is sometimes the only symptom, some people with the disease think they have bronchitis. It's only when they get diagnosed and treated that they begin the feel better. However, asthma is a chronic condition that although can be controlled, lasts for a long time.

Identification

Asthma is a common respiratory disease in which the lung airways become inflamed and restricted. The disease involves habitual bouts of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath that usually happen at night or upon awakening. It affects all ages but mostly starts in childhood.

Causes

Although the exact cause is unknown, researchers believe asthma occurs for a mixture of reasons, such as heredity coupled with environmental factors, which act together to causae symptoms.
Atopy, an inherited bent toward allergies, is an allergic reaction that has an effect on body parts not in contact with an allergen, which can develop into asthma.
Childhood respiratory infections can also lead to asthma. Contracting airborne allergens or being exposed to viral infections early in life while the immune system isn't fully developed can promote asthma.

Types

Asthma used to be divided into two types: extrinsic (allergic) and intrinsic (non-allergic) asthma. However, now it's grouped into several categories.
Allergic asthma, which is set off by allergens, makes up about 90% of all types of asthma. Triggers include allergens and pollutants such as chemicals, dust, smoke, stress and irritants.
Intrinsic asthma occurs when allergies aren't involved. Uncommon in children, intrinsic asthma usually starts after age 40 and can be caused by irritants as cleaning agents, perfumes and smoke.
Exercise-induced asthma, usually coming from families with allergy histories, is typically developed from strenuous exercise because of lost moisture and heat in the lungs while working out. The only symptom is regular coughing while exercising.
Steroid-resistant asthma comes from overusing asthma medications, leading to asthma attacks that are do not respond to those medications. The condition is so severe that mechanical ventilation may be needed for reversal.
Occupational asthma comes from inhaling chemicals, dust and other irritants over time.
Nocturnal asthma refers to asthma occurring while people sleep at night, although symptoms can also surface during the day while sleeping. Triggers may include bedsheet allergens, reduction in room temperature and acid reflux. About 75% of asthma sufferers deal with nocturnal asthma.

Treatment

Treatment methods vary according to the individual. Usually, patients are advised to avoid whatever triggers an asthma attack, as well as take asthma medications. It's usually not just one medicine, but a combination of medications, besides a handheld inhaler. Patients experiment with different treatment plans until they find one best suited for them. Because conditions change, patients need continual monitoring from their doctors to receive the best treatments.

Considerations

Take special precautions if asthma or atopy runs in your family. For example, you will want to control house dust mites, as well as cockroaches. Watch for any reactions to pets, noting if dander from dogs and cats causes asthmatic flare-ups. Get rid of irritants such as tobacco smoke.
When working with your doctor on a treatment program, bring in data on different treatment choices and write down questions before your doctor's visit.

Misconceptions

A common misconception is the idea that asthmatics can't engage in sports. This simply isn't true. However, common sense is needed when picking a sport. For example, if you're allergic to horses, you shouldn't go horseback riding. Asthmatics just need to choose a sport suited to their abilities under the supervision of a doctor.

Warning

Mothers who smoke (even while pregnant) can affect their babies from developing healthy, functioning lungs. By continuing to smoke, they put their children at risk for developing asthma.

Resources

• Statistics About Asthma
• Types of Causes of Asthma
• Treatment