Asthma is a disease of the lungs where the person finds it difficult to breathe. The channels that lead to the lungs are inflamed. They become narrow thus making it difficult to breathe. Sometimes the muscles go into spasm and as a result the channel becomes narrower. The production of mucus increases the breathing difficulty. A person suffering from asthma really finds it difficult to breathe when she/he suffers from the attack. Such a situation often demands immediate medical attention and unless that is provided to the victim it might often be a fatal condition.

What Causes Asthma

There are no definite causes of asthma. Researches have pointed out that it is a result of faulty genes and influence of the environment. The case becomes more serious if both the factors combine together. Apart from this the affected person may also suffer from various allergic diseases which may include eczema and hay fever. The breathing tubes become narrowed down as cells and chemicals enter the lung tissues inflaming the breathing tubes. When the tubes are narrowed down it is difficult for the air to move through the lungs and thus result in breathing difficulty.

Once the airways become hyper-reactive the lungs start to react in an abnormal manner thus leading to an attack of asthma. This leads to the infection in the respiratory tract. The infected person becomes allergic to house dust, smoking and chemical irritants. Emotional depression also aggravates the disease. A person suffering from asthma has to be really careful of all the allergies as well as the surroundings.

In most cases asthma is a disease which runs in the families and if your mother or a close relative has this disease there is a greater probability that you might have it.

Asthma Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of asthma are constant coughing, a feeling of tightness in the chest and difficulty in breathing. These symptoms may not be continuous but become severe with the passing of the days. In some cases the symptoms may be mild while in some cases it is very severe. Medical attention is compulsory. Some patients need to be treated in the hospital. The symptoms become severe at morning and night. Sometimes a case of eczema may also be the reason behind asthma. Among the children the symptoms are severe during night. Asthma can affect anybody but it is found more among the children. If a lady smokes during pregnancy then the unborn baby runs a risk of developing asthma. Active as well as passive smoking leads to asthma.

How to Diagnose Asthma?

The disease is diagnosed on the basis of the symptoms that are seen by the doctors. Apart from the appearance of the symptoms various medical investigations are carried out to be totally sure. Chest x-ray and functioning of the lungs are medically tested. Diagnosis is difficult in younger children as there are various other causes that lead to wheezing.

In most cases asthma can be easily diagnosed in children who are above five years by means of a test which is known as the peak expiratory flow rate. By using this test the medical practitioner measures the peak flow which means how rapidly the air can be thrown out of the lungs.

Asthma Treatment

A person should be under proper medical care while suffering from an attack of asthma. Medication is given straight to the lungs with the help of inhalers. They help in opening the blocked airway and try to prevent any further attack of asthma. A person should also follow a self-management plan so that all the activities are based on it. Should attend regular asthma check-ups and try to control the symptoms of an attack. Exercise should be continued.

Advice

A victim of asthma should identify the factors which cause this disease. For every person there are certain situations which might trigger the attack of asthma and one needs to make sure that he or she stays away from such a situation. If the mother does not smoke during pregnancy the chances of her child having asthma is reduced to a great extent. However, having asthma should not prohibit a person from leading a normal life and he/she should definitely do regular activities as exercises or brisk walks. Having a lifestyle which keeps one overall fit can reduce greatly the chances of ones having an asthma attack.