Asthma symptoms and possible prevention measures.

Asthma symptoms and possible prevention measures.
Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs (bronchioles). Asthma is caused by chronic (ongoing, long-term) inflammation of these passages. This makes the breathing tubes, or airways, of the person with asthma highly sensitive to various "triggers." When the inflammation is "triggered" by any number of external and internal factors, the walls of the passages swell, and the openings fill with mucus. Muscles within the breathing passages contract (bronchospasm), causing even further narrowing of the airways. This narrowing makes it difficult for air to be breathed out (exhaled) from the lungs. This resistance to exhaling leads to the typical symptoms of an asthma attack. ( emedicinehealth.)

Symptoms

Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, Asthma signs and symptoms include: Shortness of breath, Chest tightness or pain, Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of asthma in children),Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu.

For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations, Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry. Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust. Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets (pet dander) (mayoclinic.org)

Persistent cough is a common sign of lung disease. Coughing is a major feature of asthma, especially in children. If your infant or child coughs to the point of vomiting, discuss the possibility of asthma with your doctor. There are reasons other than asthma for a long-term cough, like whooping cough and postnasal drip. (asthma.ca)

Asthma symptoms often vary over time, due to different environmental triggers such as mould or pollen spores. Just like the leaves on a tree change, these triggers can be different throughout the four seasons of the year.At present it is spring, so all the tips are related to the spring season. Tips for summer, fall and winter are already on this site as well. (4seasonsofasthma.ca)

Seek medical help immediately for:

Fast breathing with chest retractions (skin sucks in between or around the chest plate and/or rib bones when inhaling)
Cyanosis (very pale or blue coloring in the face, lips, fingernails)
Rapid movement of nostrils
Ribs or stomach moving in and out deeply and rapidly
Expanded chest that does not deflate when you exhale
Infants with asthma who fail to respond to or recognize parents
(.aafa.org)

Asthma Treatment and Prevention

There is no cure for asthma. Control symptoms by taking asthma medicines and avoiding your triggers. With proper treatment and an asthma management plan, you can reduce your symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life. Talk to your healthcare provider about your asthma symptoms and be sure to discuss any changes in your asthma management or status. (.aafa.org)