Causes, Symptoms and Management of Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that leads to shortness of breath and causes inflammation in the airways of the lungs. Though many might not be aware of the symptoms pertaining to asthma (as they are initially very mild), overlooking this disease might prove to be fatal. So it is advised to understand and take the relevant measures to get rid of asthma at the right time.

Causes

Asthma is mainly caused due to extreme weather conditions or due to flu. It might also occur due to a respiratory illness. Besides these, asthma is triggered when a person is exposed to extreme emotions, such as laughing or crying. When a person yells, he/she falls short of breath and it is likely that the person gets an asthma attack. This disease also arises due to strong scents, smoke, dust, allergy to animals and allergy to pollen.

Though these are some of the most common causes of asthma, the very basic reason as to why a person contracts asthma while others don’t, is mainly due to that person’s living environment. It also depends on how reactive a person’s immune system is to external sources that can cause allergies. A person with a weaker immune system might not react well to infections as compared to others. It is this reaction and difference in cell patterns, which leads to the inflammation and the swelling of the air passage that connects to your lungs.

Symptoms

• A person with asthma will start to cough while laughing, talking vigorously or doing exercises.
• The person may emit a wheezing or some snoring sound, particularly when exhaling.
• Shortness of breath is another common sign of asthma.
• One might feel tightness or stiffness in his/her chest.
• Difficulty in breathing
• Frequent colds
• Prolonged coughing, ranging from a few days to a few weeks

Though the symptoms might not be severe initially, a person who wheezes needn’t necessarily be asthmatic. However, when you experience the above symptoms for a prolonged period, then its best to conduct your doctor. 

How to Manage Asthma?

If you have been diagnosed with asthma, then you need to be careful and take certain  pivotal steps to stay relaxed and to breath easily.

• Use an inhaler as prescribed by your doctor
• Do not visit places that are very crowded
• Stay away from dust, strong odors and sprays that might trigger asthma
• Do some natural steam therapy at home in order to relieve the cold that might be in the bronchi. 
• Do not engage in self-medication; always consult your doctor. 
• Quit smoking.
• Change your curtains and bedspreads regularly.  Keep your surroundings clean to let in clean air

Image source: healthnaturalcare, wikipedia, science

Nithya Lakshmi