Ten Facts About Asthma
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAI), an estimated 34 million Americans and 300 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with the chronic lung disease known as asthma. Ten basics about asthma follow.
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How, What, Why, When and Who?
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How: Asthma results from a swelling of the lungs that causes shrinkage of airways surrounding them and airway blockages resulting from mucus production.
What: Some signs and symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing and prolonged colds.
Why: Medical professionals have yet to pinpoint the root cause of asthma.
When & Who: While childhood-onset asthma generally receives more media attention, adults are susceptible also. Asthma is a lifelong disease.
Trigger: Environment
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Air pollution, dust mites, mold and secondhand smoke all have the potential to trigger an asthma attack.
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Trigger: Pets
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Exposure to pet fur can set off an asthma attack. Since allergies and asthma are not the same thing, allergy medication that could ward off a pet allergy cannot prevent asthma attacks.
Other Triggers
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Insect droppings, certain ingredients in food and medications, physical or emotional strain, extreme weather conditions and reflux disease can also cause asthma attacks.
Treatment
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In addition to regular visits to the treating physician, the proper use of prescription medication---usually in the form of an inhaler, pills, an injection or combination therapy--- is the most recommended form of treating asthma among specialists (i.e,. allergists and immunologists).
Prevention
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While there is no fail-safe prevention method, asthma specialists recommend that patients avoid known triggers as often as possible.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Illustration courtesy of Google Health
