Asthma is a circumstance of the lung that leads to a person having difficulty in breathing. It is quick becoming a general disease among children. A person's bronchial tubes or airways get affected due to asthma. For those who suffer from asthma, managing it is the most main division of their lives. Knowing the symptoms of asthma and caution signs of asthma can be life-saving as it helps the sufferer to be careful and take defensive measures. Changing one's lifestyle and the surrounding environment along with taking the required medications are the only ways of controlling asthma. With right precaution an asthma patient can direct a near-normal life.
Severe aggravation of the asthma symptoms is termed an asthma attack. The muscles along the bronchial tubes contracts during an asthma attack. The air passage gets constricted resulting in less air flow. This increases the inflammation further causing swelling in the air passage. The cells in the air passage start producing more mucus due to lack of air. This constricts the air passage further. All these lead to the various symptoms of an asthma attack. Stress, humidity, exercise, pollution, allergens and some medicines have been found to cause asthma.
Not everyone having asthma experience all the symptoms. Some can experience the severe ones while others can stay on for longer periods without any signs. The early signs of asthma include cough and shortness of breath, wheezing with or without any physical activity, tightness of the chest, increased coughing during night, a decrease in PEFR or peak expiratory flow rate, worsening allergy symptoms, restless sleep and tiredness. Not recognizing the symptoms often delay immediate care and puts one at the risk of a life-threatening attack.
An inhaler or some medication can control the mild symptoms and prevent a severe attack. Steroids which are long acting and bronchodilators which are fast acting are the usual medicines given for asthma. These medicines can be used alone or in combination with other medicines depending upon individual patients and their needs.
Symptoms of a worsening attack include increased difficulty to perform daily activities, feeling short of breath, getting less or no relief from inhalers, severe wheezing, profuse sweating, changing of color in fingertips and a feeling of panic. Severe attacks can be fatal if not treated immediately.
The feeling of heartburn among asthma patients has led many doctors to suspect acid reflux as the trigger for wheezing and breathlessness. Many doctors prescribe heartburn medicine to people with asthma even if they don't suffer from acid reflux. Recent studies, however, show heartburn medicines do not help to control the symptoms of asthma though it may help some patients.
The adage prevention is better than cure is most apt for asthma. It is best to avoid the elements that initiate asthma. Homes need to be kept clean to avoid pollens and dust mites. Smoke, pets and some sprays should also be kept away. Air conditioners on a hot, humid day help to avert danger. While going out, travel in a car with windows up. Do remember that an attack can occur anytime. So it's best to be always prepared.
Read more on Herbal cure for Asthma and Home Remedies for Asthma
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