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Causes of Asthma
Environmental exposures combined with hereditary immune factors produce airway inflammation (swelling) in the lungs. This inflammation makes the airways narrower, which makes it more difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. Untreated asthma can cause permanent damage to the lungs. Very severe attacks can be life threatening.
The diagnosis of asthma is made by the history of symptoms, findings on physical examination, and through breathing tests called spirometry or pulmonary function tests.
Signs that you might have asthma include:
• Coughing (at rest, with laughing, or with exercise)
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Difficulty exercising especially in cold weather
Treatment for Asthma
Asthma is treated with daily medication to prevent attacks and control associated allergies. Medication choices are determined by symptom severity and breathing test results. Studies have shown that when asthma is managed by allergy and asthma specialists the best outcomes and the best cost savings are achieved.
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Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the lungs that produces breathing difficulty by narrowing the airway passages. This narrowing occurs in three ways: off and on constriction of the bronchial tubes; excessive mucus production by the airway membranes; and thickening of the walls of the airways of the lungs.
Many people have "allergic asthma," which means that allergens like dust mites, mold, animal dander, pollen, and cockroaches make their symptoms worse.
Asthma affects about 20 million Americans. The prevalence and severity of asthma have been increasing in recent years as environmental and lifestyle changes have occurred in our society.
Studies have shown that children who have allergies are more likely to develop asthma. By treating allergies, you may prevent the progression of allergies to asthma and reduce asthma attacks.