Are you suffering from Asthma? Do you experience wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath? It is a condition that literally makes you struggle to breathe, and not an easy malaise to bear. What causes asthma? There are several reasons, some of the main ones being the hereditary factor, and surrounding environment. What is more important to know is that asthma attacks both children and adults.

Bad Effects

Asthma is a sickness that effects the lungs. Certain outside factors such as chemicals, pollutants, cold virus, molds, reaction to certain food, animal fur etc. can trigger an asthma attack. When this happens the muscles in the lungs contract, the lung tissues get inflamed and swollen and this results in narrowing of the airways. Such swelling makes it difficult for the person to breathe and produces an asthma attack. When an asthma patient is going through an attack, the difficulty to breathe and the struggle to take in air causes anxiety similar to that of having a heart attack. Quickening of the pulse rate, sweating and a feeling of heightened anxiety occur. Sometimes the attack lasts for hours, sometimes it is over in a few minutes.

Diagnosis of Asthma

Since asthma is mainly caused by two main factors i.e. the hereditary factor and surrounding environment, it is important to keep a close watch especially on young children. If a child is found to experience frequent breathing problems such as wheezing etc. a proper medical examination with related tests should be conducted. There are several different types of asthma and they affect people in different ways. Though there is no known cure for asthma, the illness can be controlled to a large extent. However many children who suffer asthma attacks during their formative years, when they reach adulthood they seem to gain enough resistance and stop getting such attacks. When the attacks do continue in the adult stage if not treated properly, they can cause respiratory failure and even lead to death.

Medical Treatment

As a general guide to avoid asthma attacks, a person should ensure that outside factors which leaded to inflammation of the air passages to the lungs are avoided, and immediate treatment is taken. When a severe asthma attack comes on, relief is most commonly experienced with a 'preventer' or 'inhaler' which often contains steroids. An injection is also given to get quick relief. When the chemicals discharged by these aids reach the narrowing airways to the lungs, the muscles respond and widen and the lungs start to function normally again. Tablets and non-steroid preventers are available for children, though they may not be as effective. High doses of steroids taken over long periods do create some side effects, so they should be taken under a doctor's guidance. If taken for long periods the dosage strength has to be increased. Infection in the mouth and throat, and hoarseness are some of the side effects experienced. Also headaches, liver problems and stomach upsets. When using the inhaler, using a spacer with it helps with inhalation. Also, use the inhaler before brushing the teeth, as the last rinse will help the prevention of thrush buildup in the mouth.

Keeping Asthma Attacks At Bay

Since the lungs need clean unpolluted air to function normally, a regular walk in the early mornings is ideal. Not only will the clean morning air help with good breathing, the lungs also get stronger. Humidity is another factor that brings on asthma attacks. Avoiding places where there is dust and humidity is a must, as the tiny organisms in such an environment can lead to bad attacks of asthma. On the food front, a healthy diet of fresh vegetables and fruit and fat-free items is a must. Any oily, stale and fat-producing foods can trigger an asthma attack. One ideal physical activity to control asthma is yoga. Yoga has certain exercises which specialise in breathing and if these exercises are done daily, they can help tremendously in controlling asthma attacks. Smoking of cigarettes should be avoided altogether. The nicotine content in cigarettes fills the body with irritants and toxins which become major triggers of an attack. Keeping the nose and mouth covered when there is excess dust in the environment is helpful. In case of an oncoming attack, a teaspoon of honey or sucking a clove might provide temporary relief.

While there is no known cure for asthma, with proper care and medication the illness can be controlled and sufferers can lead a normal lifestyle. It is important to remember that the effectiveness of any medication builds up over a period of time. Even if no symptoms are experienced, daily medication is a must to keep the asthma attacks at bay. If unpleasant side effects are experienced due to medication being taken, the same should be brought to the notice of the attending doctor who can then suggest alternate treatment.