Got Asthma? Gain Control Over Your Breathing

What exactly is asthma, and how does one control it? Asthma has been defined as "chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways in which many cells and cellular elements play a role". The chronic inflammation is associated with "airway hyperresponsiveness" that leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing particularly during the evening time or in the early morning.

These episodes are usually associated with widespread symptoms, but variable airflow obstruction within the lungs that is often reversible either spontaneously or with proper treatment.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA

Common symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness of chest and coughing, and use of accessory muscle. These symptoms are usually found to be the worst in the evening time or early morning, or in response to exercise or cold air. Some people with asthma will very rarely experience symptoms, usually in response to triggers, whereas others may have marked persistent airflow obstruction.

ASTHMA ATTACKS

An "acute asthma exacerbation" is commonly referred to as an "asthma attack". The classic symptoms of an asthma attack are shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness of the chest. While these are the primary symptoms of asthma, some people show primarily with coughing, and in severe cases, air motion may be significantly impaired such that no wheezing is heard at all.

Signs which may occur during an asthma attack include the use of accessory muscles of respiration (sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles of the neck), there may be a pulse that is weaker during inhalation and stronger during exhalation, and over-inflation of the chest. A blue color of the skin and nails may also occur from lack of oxygen.

EXERCISE INDUCED ASTHMA

A diagnosis of asthma can be common among athletes. There appears to be a relatively high incidence of asthma in sports such as mountain biking, cycling, and long-distance running. A relatively lower incidence can be found in weightlifting and diving. It is unclear how much of these disparities are from the effects of training in these different sports.

OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA

Asthma as a result of, or worsened by, workplace exposures is a commonly reported occupational respiratory disease. However, it is still shown that most cases of occupational asthma are not reported or recognized as such. In one study monitoring workplace asthma by occupation, the highest percentage of cases occurred among operators, fabricators, and laborers, followed by managerial and professional specialists. It has been found also in technical, sales, and administrative support positions. Most cases were associated with the manufacturing and services industries.

Other factors include animal proteins, enzymes, flour, natural rubber latex, and certain reactive chemicals that are commonly associated with work-related asthma. When recognized, these hazards can be mitigated, dropping the risk of disease.

ENVIRONMENTAL TRIGGERS

The environment plays a huge factor in asthma. An asthma sufferer may not know that they are suffering from this condition due to thepollens in the air, mold, cat dander, or dust mites. These allergens can create asthma in both adults and children, and be the main cause to triggering asthma in people today.

MANAGING ASTHMA

It is important, when managing your asthma, to continually breathe in the cleanest air possible, abstain from smoking cigarettes (if you are a smoker), avoid rigorous exercise, and live as stress free as possible.

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