Asthma

Asthma is perhaps the one disease which is affecting a large proportion of the world population irrespective of age and sex. It is a chronic disease retracting the air tract causing difficulty to breathe. Asthma can be triggered off by cold or allergy apart from being chronic. Asthma cannot be cured completely but can be controlled to lead a more or less normal life.

Asthma attacks vary in their intensity. A sudden worsening of symptoms is known as an asthma attack, when muscles along the airways become tight allowing less air into the lungs and even to other vital organs. Severe asthmatic attacks can also lead to deaths.

Major causes of asthma are:

Genetic: A large number of asthmatic patients have been found to acquired the disease genetically.

Smoking: Smoking and other inhalations can cause asthma and in the long term increase its intensity.

Pollution: Environmental pollution is one of the main reasons for asthma in recent periods affecting people of all ages.

Allergies: Asthma can be triggered off by exposure to certain allergens depending on the individuals. Allergens can range from dust to certain medicines to certain food items.

Symptoms of asthma can include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing or squeaky breath sounds
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Faster breathing

Since Asthma cannot be completely cured by any medication it is important for people with asthma to know how to control it. Close monitoring and serious controlling can help reduce the effects of the attacks.

Treatment of asthma includes:

Quick-relief medicines: These are taken for immediate relief at the first signs of attack and provide immediate relief. These are known as bronchodilators and can be found in the form of inhalers.

Long term medicines: These are prescribed for long term treatment to be taken on regular doses and yields results after some time. These include inhaled corticosteroid.

Exercises: Exercises and regular yoga practices helps control asthma to a large extent. Sometimes it is also found to reduce the disease by manifold.

It is also necessary to avoid all allergens to avoid frequent asthmatic attacks. It is advised for asthmatic patients to always carry bronchodilator inhalers to avoid serious attacks.