Asthma is a condition in which there is swelling in the lung tubes causing their narrowing and makes it hard to breathe. Symptoms vary in severity from time to time with or without treatment. It can occur at any age and usually runs in families. Untreated or uncontrolled bronchial asthma can lead to persistent symptoms, significant morbidity and may even lead to fatal attacks.
What causes a person to develop Asthma?
Asthma can be triggered by external agents, such as irritants in the atmosphere which are breathed in, or by internal reactions within the body that have been caused by an external influence.
Causes of an acute Asthma attack:
- Exertion
- Cold
- Smoke
- Air pollution including exposure to certain chemicals
- Airway infection
- Allergies, eg to pollens, house dust mites, domestic animals
Symptoms of Asthma
People with asthma have symptoms when the airways are narrowed (bronchospasm), swollen (inflamed), or filled with mucus. Common symptoms of asthma include:
- Coughing, especially at night
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness, pain, or pressure
