Asthma

 Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the respiratory system. It involves spasms of the bronchial tubes, coughing, and excessive excretion of thick mucus in the lungs.

An attack can last for a few minutes or several hours and may be caused by a number of triggers, such as: Animals – dander, fur, feathers, cockroaches; Plants – pollen, molds & fungi; Dust – dust & dust mites; Environmental pollutants – pollutants, fumes, tobacco smoke, chemicals (chlorineand ammonia); Certain medications (especially aspirin and beta-blockers); Food allergies; Medical disorders – adrenal disorders, anxiety, low blood sugar, stress, GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease); Sinusitis or respiratory disease; Changes in temperature – cold air, thunderstorms, extremes in dryness or humidity; Exercise; and Hormonal changes.

Asthma affects approximately 4% of the world population. Those at the highest risk for asthma are children and those over the age of 65. In general, asthma begins in childhood (with most children having their first attack before the age of 5) and clears up or becomes less severe by the age of 21. However, asthma can develop at any age and is most common among adults with allergies or a genetic tendency towards a supersensitive immune system.

There are two forms of asthma:
1.  Extrinsic asthma; is an allergic condition that occurs after inhaling an allergen (for example, dust, molds, pollen, or animal dander), which causes allergic antibodies (IgE) to form in the lung cells in order to “fight” the allergen. This type of asthma can also be ,generally triggered by a respiratory infection (cough, cold, bronchitis, etc.), by exercise (esp. in cold air), by tobacco or by other air pollutants, or by an allergy to a particular food. Many cases of allergic asthma are hereditary. 

2. Intrinsic asthma; Most often develops during adulthood and has no apparent external cause (such as an allergy). The onset may occur following a respiratory infection or disease such as bronchitis or sinusitis. This type of asthma is generally triggered by changes in the weather (cold damp weather), exercise, stress, anxiety, laughing, or coughing. It can also be triggered by exposure to toxic chemicals or inhaling irritants such as dust particles, smoke or fumes.

Symptoms Of Asthma
People with asthma have symptoms when the airways are narrowed (bronchospasm), swollen (inflamed), or filled with mucus. Common symptoms of asthma include the classic shortness of breath (dyspnea) and wheezing (whistling or squeaky sound) upon exhaling, which visibly involves all breathing muscles as it becomes more severe.  Serious asthma attacks can progress, leading to chest tightness, pain, or pressure; tightening of the neck muscles; difficulty speaking; rapid heart rate; sweating; noisy, difficult, and fast breathing, and in extreme cases, coughing up blood.

 People who have asthma often deal with an ongoing nonproductive cough (especially at night and in the early morning). The end of an asthma attack is sometimes marked by a cough that produces thick, stringy mucus.
Not every person with asthma has the same symptoms in the same way. You might not have all of these symptoms, or you might have different symptoms at different times. The symptoms might also vary from one asthma episode to the next, being mild during one asthma episode and severe during another.

Some people with asthma might have extended symptom-free periods, interrupted by periodic asthma episodes, while others have some symptoms every
day. Some have symptoms only when exposed to a trigger or when recovering from viral respiratory tract infections. Mild asthma episodes are generally more
common. Usually, the airways open up within a few minutes to a few hours. Severe episodes are less common, but last longer and require immediate medical help. It is important to recognize and treat even mild symptoms to help you prevent severe episodes and keep asthma in better control.

Emergency assistance should be called if you have, or are with someone who has, any of these serious symptoms: Severe wheezing (both when breathing in and out); Coughing that won’t stop; Very rapid breathing, extreme difficulty breathing, or cessation of breathing; Bluish color to the lips, fingernails and face (cyanosis) or paleness; Severe anxiety or panic; Rapid pulse; Profuse sweating; Decreased level of consciousness (including drowsiness and confusion); Chest pain or pressure; Tightened neck and chest muscles (retractions); Difficulty talking and inability to fully exhale. Some other medical conditions may contribute to the development of asthma, including:
Intestinal permeability (leaky gut syndrome); allergies, especially food allergies; obesity, and chronic dehydration.