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What is Asthma?
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Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways by Plato 18 year
Asthma is a chronic ailment in which inflammation of the airways, or bronchi, affects the way air enters and leaves the lungs, thereby disrupting breathing. When allergens or irritants come into contact with the inflamed airways, the already sensitive airways tighten and narrow, making it difficult for the person to breathe. Progressively severe symptoms can lead to an asthma attack. In asthma attacks, the overproduction of mucus lining the airways further narrows the airways, limiting oxygen intake and making it more difficult to breathe. Asthma affects 5 million children in the United States and 15 million people total.
The symptoms associated with asthma differ from person to person. Most people experience severe coughing in the early morning hours or at night. The wheezing and tightening of the chest, other symptoms suffered by asthmatics, causes shortness of breath. Asthma can be triggered by allergens or induced by external irritants. Allergen-induced asthma normally appears in individuals before the age of 35. Non-allergic asthma occurs later, usually at middle age, and is triggered by exercise, weather changes, or viral infections.
The early exposure to allergens or irritants is thought to be an important cause of asthma. Heredity also plays a role in predisposing certain groups of the population to the chronic condition. The allergens that can trigger an asthma attack include animal dander, pollen, mold, and dust. Irritants like cigarette smoke, air spray products and perfumes, and changes in the weather can also trigger attacks. The best way to minimize the symptoms is to avoid the triggers. Changing bed and pillow coverings once a month, avoiding mold, staying away from pets, and avoiding the outdoors during windy days are some of the lifestyle changes a person can make to eliminate the triggers.
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Asthma is a chronic ailment in which inflammation of the airways, or bronchi, affects the way air enters and leaves the lungs, thereby disrupting breathing. When allergens or irritants come into contact with the inflamed airways, the already sensitive airways tighten and narrow, making it difficult for the person to breathe. Progressively severe symptoms can lead to an asthma attack. In asthma attacks, the overproduction of mucus lining the airways further narrows the airways, limiting oxygen intake and making it more difficult to breathe. Asthma affects 5 million children in the United States and 15 million people total.
The symptoms associated with asthma differ from person to person. Most people experience severe coughing in the early morning hours or at night. The wheezing and tightening of the chest, other symptoms suffered by asthmatics, causes shortness of breath. Asthma can be triggered by allergens or induced by external irritants. Allergen-induced asthma normally appears in individuals before the age of 35. Non-allergic asthma occurs later, usually at middle age, and is triggered by exercise, weather changes, or viral infections.
The early exposure to allergens or irritants is thought to be an important cause of asthma. Heredity also plays a role in predisposing certain groups of the population to the chronic condition. The allergens that can trigger an asthma attack include animal dander, pollen, mold, and dust. Irritants like cigarette smoke, air spray products and perfumes, and changes in the weather can also trigger attacks. The best way to minimize the symptoms is to avoid the triggers. Changing bed and pillow coverings once a month, avoiding mold, staying away from pets, and avoiding the outdoors during windy days are some of the lifestyle changes a person can make to eliminate the triggers.
Viewed 16284 times
All Plato's Answers