What is Asthma?

Asthma is chronic lung disease that causes difficult breathing.
It is the constriction and tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways. Asthma is episodic so they are unpredictable and come and go.


What is an Asthma Attack?
Asthma attacks are the tightening of muscles around the the airways and it can range from slight breathlessness to not being able to breathe asthma can last for minutes or days. Mucus production also increases during an asthma attack which plugs up the airways.


Triggers of Asthma
-Colds and flu, sore throat,
-Air pollution, smoke , perfume, dust mites
-Exercise, weather extremes, emotional stress
-Pets, cockroach droppings
*People may also be allergic to milk, eggs, nuts , and fish


Types of Asthma
-Allergic
-Exercise Induced
-Occupational
-Cough
Nocturnal (night time)


Symptoms of Asthma
-Wheezing
-Chronic cough
-Tightness of the chest
-Shortness of breath

Signs of Asthma
Some sign of asthma are frequent chest colds and bouts of acute bronchitis.

Early Warning Signs of an Asthma Attacks
-Runny nose
-Sleeplessness, Restlessness
-Change in breathing
-Coughing and sneezing (not caused by a cold)



Citations
abouthealth.com
proairfa.com
asthma by judith peacock