Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Index. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Index states more than 22 million individuals have been diagnosed with asthma, with approximately six million of them being children. Asthma typically develops in childhood and carries over into adulthood.
Physiology
Inhaled allergens react with the airways, causing the lung muscles to tighten. Airways then narrow, causing less air to flow into the lungs. Eventually, swelling and mucus production occurs, further narrowing the airway. The end result is an asthma attack. A typical asthma attack lasts approximately one to two hours, followed by a period of prolonged coughing.
Causes
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Index states the actual cause of asthma is unknown and is still being researched, but researchers believe family genes and certain environmental exposures interact with one another, causing asthma to develop. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Index states family genes influence asthma due to atopy, a term meaning individuals who are more genetically prone to develop allergy-related diseases.
Triggers
Inhaled substances that cause airway inflammation are known as triggers. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Index says triggers can be environmental, physical or emotional. Environmental triggers include pollen, dust and pollution. Physical triggers occur when doing physical exertion such as exercising, while emotional triggers occur with anxiety. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., aspirin) can also cause airway inflammation.
Symptoms
Individuals suffering from asthma frequently cough, worsening more at night or early morning. Excessive coughing can cause asthmatics to experience shortness of breath. When experiencing shortness of breath, patients feel they cannot catch their breath and that they're not receiving enough oxygen. Shortness of breath breathing patterns are quick and shallow and can be accompanied with wheezing. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling noise that occurs during exhalation (breathing out).
Diagnosis
A detailed medical history is taken where the physician asks about asthma symptoms, known allergy triggers, family history, current activity level and work environment. Next the physician will conduct a physician examination. During the examination, they will look at the nose, throat and upper airways. The physician will also listen for abnormal lung sounds, such as wheezing.
The Mayo Clinic states if the physician is still unclear of the diagnosis, he or she will require the patient to perform lung function tests, which include spirometry, nitric oxide or a challenge test.
Treatments
Treatments options are individualized and are based on your diagnosis. The Mayo Clinic says common treatment options include anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator inhalers, oral medications, asthma nebulizer or breathing machine.
