What is asthma?
There are an estimated 17 million people living in the United States with self-reported asthma. Asthma is a chronic disease marked by wheezing, chest tightness and/or shortness of breath.
If you or someone you know:
• Coughs a lot while exercising or following exercise;
• Has shortness of breath;
• Wheezes while breathing;
• Has a tight feeling in the chest
then consult a physician because any one of these symptoms can be a sign of asthma.
Asthma symptoms are caused by the constriction (tightening of the muscles) and the inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the airways. Constriction and inflammation of the airways and increased mucosa make it difficult and sometimes impossible to breathe.
What causes asthma?
Allergens, irritants, respiratory infections and/or exercise can trigger asthma symptoms. Asthma is often placed in different categories according to symptom “triggers.”
For example:
Allergic asthma is triggered by allergic reactions to allergens such as pet dander, dust or dust mite, mold or pollen.
Seasonal asthma is triggered by seasonal allergic reactions to allergens such as trees, grasses or weeds.
Non-allergic asthma is triggered by irritants in the air that you breathe such as tobacco smoke, wood smoke, room deodorizers, fresh paint, perfume, etc.
Exercise-induced asthma is triggered by exercise or physical activity.
Nocturnal asthma can occur in a patient with any type of asthma, though the asthma symptoms will increase or worsen at night.
For treatment, it is important to recognize asthma “triggers.” Airway inflammation may always be there, even when you are seemingly symptom-free
