Over the years Asthma has emerged as one of the most common diseases to affect people belonging to every walk of life.
This is a condition which affects the airway passages that allow air to enter and leave the lungs.
Asthma is also a chronic illness seen in children.
Asthma is mainly caused due to the inflammation of the airways.
This leads to shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.
When the airways are inflamed the air entering the lungs is blocked.
When the air doesn't reach the lungs the build up of carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which can be fatal.
The frequency and the intensity with which asthma can strike varies and differs from individual to individual.
In most cases it is seen that people suffering from asthma also suffer from allergies.
Asthmas are triggered by allergens or irritants.
Allergens are known as specific triggers, while the irritants are also called as non specific triggers.
The most common allergens include pollen grains, certain foods like soy, peanuts and fish and certain drugs.
While the non specific triggers include indoor factors like paint and deodorants, outdoor factors like smog, diesel fumes and smoke from smokers or vehicles and certain hormonal factors also play a role.
Asthma is referred to as extrinsic and intrinsic, here extrinsic asthma also means allergic asthma which is activated or triggered by allergens.
The intrinsic asthma is mostly seen after the age of 30 years and is not caused by allergies.
Asthma can be dealt well by first diagnosing it well and then recommending proper treatment.
In cases where the doctor cannot establish asthma well respiratory tests are done to check for the problem.
With proper and regular treatment one can manage asthma well.
People suffering from asthma should keep in mind to keep bronchodilators handy at all times to keep an asthmatic attack at bay.