Overview of Asthma Facts

Asthma is one of the most prevalent diseases in the developed world and is the leading chronic illness in children.  The incidence of asthma has doubled in the last ten years and over 100 million people now suffer from it to varying degrees. There is no cure, but it can be managed. Being familiar with some asthma facts is the first step in dealing with this condition.

Asthma is a respiratory disease that reduces lung function and causes difficulty in breathing. The airway “tubes” or bronchioles in asthmatic lungs are characterized by hypersensitivity and when triggered by an irritant, can become inflamed and swollen.

This reduces the size of the actual airway, making it more difficult for air to move in and out. Mucus is also produced and this further adds to the obstruction. If that wasn’t enough, the smooth muscles around the bronchiole can also react, constricting and thus even further inhibiting air flow.

Broncho muscular constriction can also occur as part of the inflammation reaction to an irritant or can be brought on by other triggers. When this happens, the muscles in asthmatic lungs appear to loose rhythm and spasm. This broncho constriction is often sudden and normally referred to as an asthma attack.

Asthma symptoms typically include coughing, a tightness of the chest, and wheezing and whistling sounds in the lungs. Breathing can become extremely difficult. Asthmatics may exhibit only mild symptoms or severe, depending on the individual and episode. In extreme attacks, the airways can close so much that the patient is in danger of suffocation. This condition is a medical emergency and can be fatal.

Asthma does not always manifest itself as “an attack”. Many suffer from chronic asthma symptoms brought on by inflamed bronchiole lining and mucus build up in the airways but without the smooth broncho muscle constriction. The symptoms are often very similar to other pulmonary diseases (such as COPD) but in asthma, are more variable and reversible.

There is no cure for asthma and the causes of this disease are not completely understood. It is thought to be hereditary and associated very closely with allergies but there is increasing evidence that environmental factors may also somehow be responsible. Aspects of our modern environment such as air pollution, processed foods, modern home air quality (modern homes are sealed very tightly which make ideal conditions for dust mites) are thought to be major contributing factors.

Asthma is a chronic condition, which means that symptoms can occur over long periods.  Although there are times when acute episodes strike, many asthma sufferers report there are significant periods during which they suffer few, if any symptoms.

Asthma can also change progressively during a lifetime. Many children grow out of it for good while others may develop symptoms again in later life. Some adults don’t suffer asthma as children but develop it later.

A normal lifestyle is possible for asthmatics

But asthma can be treated and in most cases, an effective management plan will allow asthmatics to lead a relatively normal life.

If you have asthma, controlling your condition means staying away from things that bother your airways and taking medicines as directed by your doctor.  But it should also mean becoming educated about the disease so you can work with your caregiver in determining the best treatments for you. You will need to learn what things cause your asthma symptoms and how to avoid them. Lifestyles (diet, exercise etc) are also factors to consider.

NOTE: Exercise programs are different for each individual and should not be commenced without doctor consultation.

Asthmatics who successfully control their condition every day will usually prevent serious symptoms developing and can live a normal lifestyle. Those that do not control their condition well will experience breathing difficulties and suffer lifestyle limitations.

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