Asthma (from the Greek ἅσθμα, ásthma, “panting”) is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may occur several times a day or night in some cases. The frequency and severity of asthma symptoms vary from person to person. Some people have only occasional attacks while others may have frequent episodes. In severe cases asthmatic attacks can be continuous and debilitating requiring hospitalization and even mechanical ventilation support.
There is no single cause for asthma but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic (inherited) and environmental factors. Asthma cannot be cured but it can be controlled with proper medical treatment and avoiding triggers that can worsen an attack. Common triggers include: dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, cockroach debris/saliva/droppings, strong emotions/stressors such as laughing or crying; viral upper respiratory infections such as colds or flu; weather changes including cold air, hot air humid air; exercise; some medications including beta blockers used for high blood pressure or heart conditions; smoke from cigarettes or other tobacco products; occupational exposures such as chemicals used in farming or hair styling products like perm solution; Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); strong smells from perfumes or cleaning supplies. There are two types of asthma: allergic (extrinsic) which accounts for about 60% of all asthmatics where the trigger is an allergy to something in the environment non-allergic (intrinsic) which occurs more often in adults where the trigger is unknown but may be related to viral infections or other irritants in the environment.. Both types share many of the same symptoms although they differ somewhat in their frequency and severity as well as how they respond to treatment.. Allergic asthma is more common in children while non-allergic asthma is more common in adults..
Asthma affects people of all ages but is most common in children under age 5 years old and young adults aged 20-40 years old. It occurs more often among certain groups including those who are obese , African American , Native American Indian , Puerto Rican descent , women during pregnancy especially during their third trimester . People with certain occupations are also at increased risk such occupational exposures like farming , health care workers exposed to patients with respiratory infections .. Furthermore , individuals with certain medical conditions like GERD , allergies , sinusitis are also at higher risk for developing asthma .
The exact mechanism underlying development of asthma is not known but it’s thought to involve both genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors that “trigger” an attack.. Once triggered inflammation narrows the small tubes carrying air (bronchioles) making breathing difficult.. This narrowing can be partially or completely reversible depending on the individual case.. Attacks may last minutes to days and usually resolve spontaneously though some people require medication for symptom relief.. In severe cases however hospitalization may be necessary due to difficulty breathing despite use of rescue inhalers containing bronchodilators like albuterol . Intravenous steroids may also be required along with close monitoring by medical staff until symptoms improve.. Some patients require mechanical ventilation support through intubation if they are unable maintain adequate oxygen saturation levels on their own.. Mortality rates from asthma have been declining over time due largely due improved management strategies however it still remains one significant cause global mortality particularly childhood mortality rates…