Understand what asthma is and what triggers it

Understand what asthma is and what triggers it

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Nearly 300 million people have been affected worldwide and approximately 20 million people in the United States suffer from asthma. In 2009, asthma caused 250,000 deaths worldwide. Asthma affects people of all ages, but most often begins in childhood. More than 22 million people in the United States suffer from asthma. Almost 6 million of these people are children.

Asthma affects people of all ages, but most often begins in childhood. People suffering from asthma usually have the following symptoms; Breathing problems, wheezing, chest tightness, cough, allergies to dust and strong smell, cough and also react very quickly to climate changes. Although the reasons have not yet been confirmed, both genetic and environmental factors appear to contribute to this condition. One should also understand that the symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. Similarly, the intensity of symptoms also varies.

Asthma is broadly classified into two types; Atopic or extrinsic and not atopic or intrinsic. Symptoms are usually caused or worsened by allergens. People with extrinsic asthma quickly experience wheezing attacks as soon as they come into contact with the allergens that cause allergies or inflammation. The other type, intrinsic asthma or non-atopic, is not induced or aggravated by external allergens.

The number of sufferers has increased dramatically worldwide in recent decades. As already mentioned, there are no special reasons for a person to develop this disease. However, there are certain medical conditions that cause asthma in people. They are:

– History of asthma in family: If there is a history, it is always better to get your children checked for the same.

– Lung diseases in early childhood – Premature babies or children who have had lung infections at a very young age have very sensitive airways that become inflamed very easily and cause asthma attacks.

– Respiratory tract infections in childhood

– We live in areas with allergens that can irritate the respiratory tract and cause inflammation.

– Frequent contraction of pet hair can also lead to asthma attacks.

– Active or passive smoking – It has been found that people exposed to passive smoking have a lower risk of developing asthma.

Certain factors are known to trigger asthma attacks in people who suffer from it. These are called asthma triggers. Asthma triggers differ from person to person. Generally, over time, people learn what factors trigger such attacks and try to avoid them. The most known causes are listed below.

Causes of Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the lungs. This is called a chronic disease because people with asthma have this condition in their body, but asthma attacks only occur when certain things called “triggers” trigger it. The reason why a person develops asthma or what causes the disease has yet to be fully defined. Furthermore, this condition cannot be cured and can only be controlled with medication and by avoiding triggers.

Certain factors are known to trigger asthma attacks in people who suffer from it. These are called asthma triggers. Asthma triggers differ from person to person. Generally, over time, people learn what factors trigger such attacks and try to avoid them. The most known causes are listed below.

Polluted air:

Air pollution is one of the main triggers. Because the airways to the lungs are normally very sensitive, polluted air easily irritates and causes inflammation and swelling. When the airways become swollen and very little or no air gets into the lungs, it causes an asthma attack. It is advisable that people with asthma do not live in areas with factories or industries. It is also recommended that people traveling to heavily polluted areas always carry their drugs with them.

Active and passive smoking:

Smoking is not only a harmful habit, but also a known asthma trigger. It is recommended that people with asthma stop smoking. It is said that passive smoking is worst than active smoking. Therefore, people with asthma are advised to stay away from people who smoke or stay away from the smoking area.

Pets:

Cats and dogs, especially the furry ones, are known causes of asthma. If you have a family member who suffers from asthma, it is better not to have pets at home. If you still prefer pets, make sure they are clean, bathed, and spend most of their time outside the home. You should never be allowed to enter the bedroom or sleep on the bed. Cleaning and mopping the house frequently to remove pet hair is a very important precaution.

Dust mites, mold and cockroaches:

Inhaling cockroaches, fecal mites and mold can trigger an asthma attack. Frequent cleaning, mopping, and vacuuming will remove roaches and even mold. Dust mites are very common and can be found in pillows and mattresses. People with asthma should always use pillowcases and mattress covers to avoid direct contact with dust mites. Mold typically grows in very humid climates. Therefore, using an air conditioner or humidifier controls mold growth at home.

Climatic conditions

Drastic changes in climatic conditions also trigger an asthma attack. Severely humid conditions, thunderstorms, drastic drops in temperature, traveling to high altitudes, or even directly inhaling cold air from air conditioning or dry air can trigger an asthma attack.

Miscellaneous

Respiratory infections, acid reflux, inhaling pollen grains from flowers, inhaling a strong odor, sinus infections and allergies, exercising, inhaling strong chemicals, or eating food straight from the refrigerator can also trigger an asthma attack in many people. Hyperventilation, which is very rapid breathing, is triggered by emotional turmoil and is known to cause severe asthma attacks.

There is no cure for asthma, although symptoms sometimes improve over time. With proper self-management and medical treatment, most people with asthma can lead normal lives.

Inspired by Sara D Parker