What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a lung condition that makes it hard for affected people to breathe. Asthma is characterized by hyperirritation and chronic inflammation of the airways and variable airway obstruction. The most severe condition is status asthmaticus, with an asthma attack lasting longer than 24 hours. Status asthmaticus is a medical emergency, an extreme form of asthma complication characterized by hypoxemia, hypercarbia, and secondary respiratory failure. Both young and Old and even the elderly can have asthma. Asthma isn’t contagious. It cannot be transferred from one person to the other. 

How does Asthma Affects our Breathing

When we breathe normally, air flows in through the nose or mouth and then into the windpipe, the trachea. From there, it flows through the airways (the bronchi) to the small bubble-like tissues called alveoli where gas exchange takes place, into the lungs, and finally out again.

In people with asthma, the airways are swollen and produce a lot of thick mucus. Inflamed airways are also very sensitive, and things like dust or smoke can cause the muscles around them to tighten. All of this can cause the airways to narrow and make it difficult to breathe, and when this happens, it’s called an asthma attack. The factors that provoke an asthma attack are called triggers., it’s called an asthma attack. The factors that provoke an asthma attack are called triggers. 

Smoking

Smoking and exposure to second hand smoke can trigger an asthma attack and lead to unhealthy symptoms of asthma. People with asthma are advised to stay in a smoke-free environment to avoid a possible attack. 

Air pollution

Factories, cars, and smoke in the outdoors are sources of air pollution that can trigger asthma. Staying away from air-polluted areas can help people with asthma avoid a possible attack. 

Pests 

Pests and Bugs such as cockroaches, mice, and other pests commonly found in homes can also trigger asthma attacks. These pests multiply in homes because they feed on food crumbs. Regular basic cleaning can ward off these pests. 

Pets

Furry pets such as dogs and cats can trigger an asthma attack. People with allergies to furry pets should keep them away from People with Asthma.

Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in wet or damp areas. They reproduce through tiny spores. These spores grow when there is enough moisture. Breathing in mold-infested rooms can trigger an asthma attack, whether you are allergic to mold or not. Mold can be easily found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other places with a lot of moisture. People with asthma should limit contact with damp, mold-infested rooms or avoid them altogether to prevent an asthma attack. 

Other triggers

There are other intrinsic factors that can trigger an asthma attack. 

Infections such as the flu and colds can trigger an asthma attack. Sinusitis, pollen allergies, inhalation of certain chemicals and acid reflux can also trigger attacks.

Physical activity, certain medications, breathing cold, dry air, food additives, and fragrances can also trigger an asthma attack.

Strong emotions can cause very rapid breathing, called hyperventilation, which can also trigger an asthma attack.

Asthma attacks can be compared to feeling like you are breathing through a drinking straw. It is very difficult to get air in and out of the lungs. An asthma attack can last for several hours. Most people with asthma carry their inhalers and peak flow with them. When an attack occurs, it is better to help the person by finding their inhaler to help them at that moment. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Asthma?

When someone Asthma attack has, the person might have

• trouble breathing
• a tight chest
• a whistling sound when breathing (wheezing)
• a cough

 How Is Asthma Diagnosed?

Asthma is diagnosed by a physical examination as well as the person’s family medical history. The doctor may use a peak flow meter test. This involves blowing into devices that can measure how well the lungs are working. Allergy tests or exercise tests can also show the doctor if asthma is triggered by allergy sources or physical activity.  Other ways to diagnose asthma may include X-rays to rule out other problems.

How Is Asthma Treated?

There’s no cure for asthma, But Asthma can be handled to prevent Asthma attacks This can be achieved by avoiding triggers and taking medicine.

How can you avoid Triggers?

People with asthma need to avoid the things that can trigger asthma attacks. Some triggers, such as colds, cannot be avoided, but contact with flour or cement dust can be avoided. Stay away from secondhand smoke, keep the environment free of allergens, limit strenuous exercise, start exercise gradually and increase the rhythm, and never stop abruptly at the end, but gradually. Exercise can help people stay healthier overall. 

Doctors can help people find treatments that allow them to exercise.

Things you should know about Asthma:

• Treating asthma may seem overwhelming, especially at first.  People with asthma are usually scared because they don’t know when their attack will come. They are afraid of being helpless and unable to help themselves, and they are afraid of being stigmatized by other people. 
• People with asthma need to work closely with their doctor to create a plan that is right for them. The written plan tells them when to take medication, what triggers to avoid, and when to see their doctor.
• Asthma patients must always have their inhaled medications with them, as well as their peak flow to measure breathing.
• Vaccination to prevent infections is also useful because it helps keep other diseases that can trigger asthma away.
• Keep track of your peak flow readings with your asthma diary. It will help you understand your situation and keep it under control.
• Don’t be ashamed to say you have asthma. it can be helpful to you in an emergency.
• If you have a someone with asthma, always show some love and offer help when needed. Asthma is not contagious. It cannot be passed from one person to another.

Finally, and more importantly, asthma care requires a little work. But if you follow your asthma action schedule, take your medications properly, recognize your symptoms and triggers, and see your doctor regularly, you can do everything that people without asthma do.