Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways (bronchial tubes) in the lungs and produce extra mucus.
This makes the tubes highly sensitive, so they temporarily narrow which makes it difficult for you to breathe. These airways allow air to come in and out of the lungs.
When it is well controlled, it may not cause symptoms. When symptoms worsen, it is called an asthma attack, exacerbation, or flare-up. Over time, uncontrolled asthma can damage the lungs.
Types of asthma
There are many different types of asthma, brought on by many different triggers.
- Adult onset
- Allergic asthma
- Non allergic asthma
- Occupation induced
- Exercise induced
Symptoms
- Frequent coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
- Chest tightness or pain
Causes
It may occur randomly or after exposure to a trigger. Common asthma triggers include:
- Allergies – Exposure to allergens or irritants such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, pollen, dust mites
- Smoke, pollution and cold air
- Exercise
- Infections like colds or flu
Risk factors
A risk factor is something (any attribute, characteristic or exposure) that increases your chances of getting the disease
1. Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke
2. Previous allergic reactions, including skin reactions, food allergies or hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
3. Family history
A parent can pass asthma on to their child. If one parent has asthma, there is a 25 percent chance that a child will develop asthma. Having two parents with asthma increases the risk to 50 percent.
4. Environmental factors
Exposure to occupational triggers, such as exposure to certain dusts (industrial or wood dusts), chemical fumes and vapours that are used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing
5. Being overweight
6. Medical history
Respiratory conditions, such as a chronic runny or stuffy nose (rhinitis), inflamed sinuses (sinusitis) or pneumonia.
7. Viral respiratory infections
Respiratory problems during infancy and childhood can cause wheezing. Some children who experience viral respiratory infections have a higher risk of developing chronic asthma.
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