Asthma is a health problem that affects millions of Americans. It can appear in anyone at anytime, however the symptoms do vary as does the severity and how often or how frequently they affect the asthmatic. People under the age of forty, especially children, are most likely to get asthma, and those people usually have other health issues such as being a smoker or living with a smoker, having allergies, or having a family history of health issues of asthma or related health problems. Asthma is a chronic health problem, and it cannot be cured. While it is not cured and people do have asthma their entire lives, some people seem to be able to manage it better than others, some even to the point that no one knows they have it. Asthma is a disease of the bronchial tubes or a disease of the airways of the lungs. When a person has an asthma attack, the muscles in their airways tighten, the lining of their airways swell, and they produce thick mucus that also interferes with their breathing. People with asthma have more sensitive airways than other healthy people, and this contributes to having asthma. While a sensitive airway may lead to nothing more than mild coughing and wheezing occasionally asthma can be a serious health problem, and often causes difficulty breathing, wheezing, non-stop coughing, shortness of breath, and often people with asthma have a hard time with even daily activities. The signs of an asthma attack are varied. Some people have more of these health issues when having an asthma attack, and others have less of these health issues when having an asthma attack. Symptoms of an asthma attack include rapid breathing, a tightening of the neck and chest muscles which sometimes causes chest pain or pressure, often people in the throes of an asthma attack have trouble talking, and can have anxiety or panic attacks along with the other health symptoms of an asthma attack. They can also have a pale and sweaty face, and blue lips or fingernails. There are many things that can trigger an asthma attack in an otherwise healthy person. The most common triggers for asthma include: Allergens " The skin, hair, or feathers of animals, such as cats, dogs, etc. " Dust mites found in house dust. "Cockroaches. " Tree and grass pollen. " Mold. Irritants " Cigarette smoke. " Air pollution . "Drastic weather changes " Changes in air temperature, for example, if you move from warm indoor air to cold air outdoors. " Cooking or paint oders " Scented products, candles, air fresheners, etc. " Allergens that you are exposed to at your place of work such as chemicals, dusts, smells, etc. Also some medications, and food additives, even things that are supposed to be healthy for a person such as exercise can trigger an asthma attack. Even things like weather or strong emotions can set off an asthma attack. Luckily, there are many treatments of asthma, and most people live a healthy life and learn to manage their asthma is healthy ways. Sources: webmd.com |
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