Asthma
Asthma information such as how many people have asthma, what is asthma, what causes asthma/asthma attacks and signs and symptoms.
Approximately 15 million people (nearly 5 million children) have asthma. Asthma is linked to allergies, but not all people with asthma have allergies. People with a family history of allergies and asthma are more likely to have asthma.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease that cannot be cured, but can be controlled for most patients. This disease affects the airways in the lungs by being inflamed or swollen making the airways sensitive; especially to things people are allergic or sensitive to. When the airways react, they get narrower and less air flows through to the lungs causing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing. An asthma attack is when the muscles around the airways tighten up making the airways narrower. Inflammations increases and the cells create more mucus than usual. All these changes make the airway narrower thus making it more difficult to breathe. A severe asthma attack can close the airways so much that the vital organs do not get enough oxygen. Emergency medical attention is necessary because people can die from an asthma attack. Asthma is treatable and people with asthma should see their doctor regularly.
What causes Asthma and Asthma Attacks?
It is not clear why some people have asthma, but it is known that people with a family history are more likely to develop it. Also most develop asthma during childhood. More boys have asthma than girls, but in adulthood more women have asthma than men. Although asthma is a problem for all races, black populations have more attacks, are more likely to be hospitalized for asthma attacks and are more likely to die from asthma than white populations. Some common things that can worsen asthma symptoms and lead to asthma attacks are exercise, allergens, irritants and viral infections. Some allergens are animal dander, dust mites, cockroaches, pollen and mold. Some irritants are cigarette smoke, air pollution, cold air/changes in the weather, strong cooking or painting odors, scented products and strong emotional expressions. Other things such as medications (aspirin and beta-blockers), sulfites in food/beverages, gastroesophageal reflux disease, chemicals, infections and anything you identify can also worsen symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Faster or noisy breathing
People with asthma may:
- Wheeze when they have a cold/illness
- Frequent coughing
- Symptoms brought on by exercise such as running, biking or other brisk activities
- Coughing or wheezing brought on by prolonged crying/laughing or near an allergen/irritant
Information gathered 2-15-05.