Asthma is the name which is referred to a chronic disease of the respiratory system characterized mainly because the affected person has difficulty breathing. It is important to note that this is an extremely common disorder, as in the U.S. for example, there are approximately seven million children and adolescents with this problem.
Asthma is a disease that affects the bronchi. People with asthma are likely to have infections in their airways, they are inflamed and produce lots of mucus. on the other hand, note that individuals who suffer from asthma are really sensitive to certain situations (physical exercise, dust, cigarette smoke, etc.), which causes the muscles lining the airways to contract and tighten up.
This condition coupled with the infection of the airways causes them to narrow so that the proper airflow through the body is hampered. Main symptoms
Asthma symptoms can vary widely, usually depending on the characteristics of the affected. in some cases it is mild reactions, while in others the symptoms are usually more severe. on the other hand, it is also important to note that not all asthmatics have the same symptoms or not have them as often.
Despite this, note that there are some specific symptoms that are common in people who have asthma. first, we must not fail to mention the wheezing as the most characteristic symptom of asthma. It is a sort of pitched whistling sound that occurs when you breathe, more precisely when the air passes through the narrow airways.
On the other hand, coughing is another symptom, especially when it occurs persistently at night. Also, when it is given at the end of a given exercise or exertion, it may be asthmatic cough. Despite this, it is essential to note that the cough does not always indicate asthma, so we should not rely too much on this sign to identify this disease.
Besides all this, it is important to note that during an asthma attack can take other symptoms, such as an accelerated heartbeat and a rapid rate and abnormal breathing. The latter, in turn, usually causes sweating, anxiety and distress.
Causes
The causes of asthma to this day are not entirely clear. however, it is important to note that studies on the subject have been able to determine that the most common factors of the disease are closely related to allergies, heredity, environmental conditions and even the weight of the affected. besides this, note that there are certain agents that can act as “triggers” of this disease, which include: dust, cigarette smoke, air pollution, certain gases, exercise or cold air.