Specialities

ASTHMA

Asthma is a common long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These episodes may occur a few times a day or a few times per week. Depending on the person, they may become worse at night or with exercise


Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Environmental factors include exposure to air pollution and allergens. Other potential triggers include medications such as aspirin and beta blockers. Asthma is classified according to the frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate

There are two types of asthma: allergic (caused by exposure to an allergen) and nonallergic (caused by stress, exercise, illnesses like a cold or the flu, or exposure to extreme weather, irritants in the air or some medications).

Asthma Symptoms :

Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound in your chest when you breathe, especially when exhaling)

Chest tightness

Coughing

Shortness of breath

Asthma Causes :

A physical display of strong emotion that affects normal breathing patterns such as shouting, crying or laughing can also act as an asthma trigger. Panic can prevent a person with asthma from relaxing and following instructions, which is essential during an asthma attack. Scientists have found that rapid breathing associated with strong emotions can cause bronchial tubes to constrict, possibly provoking or worsening an attack.

Asthma is a chronic disease affecting the air passages in the lungs. Theres no single cause of asthma. However, experts believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors can cause the condition or at least make a person sensitive to asthma triggers. Other factors can include

family history, although no specific (asthma gene) has been found

childhood viral infections, such as respiratory infections

early allergen exposure, poor hygiene