Asthma Attack

Asthma

Asthma is a recurring and long lasting disease which affects respiratory (breathing) system of our body. The airway through which we breathe gets constricted and inhibits the flow of oxygen into lungs. Airway may also get inflamed with riotous mucous lining. Most often asthma is triggered due to some external stimulant like allergy, anxiety, stress and exertion. Physical exertion and allergy to polluted air are probably the most common causes for asthma in most adults. While in children viral illness like common cold etc are found to be the major cause for asthma.

The constriction of duct through which oxygen enters into our body causes severe symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, wheezing and coughing. The situation gets sternly aggravated for a short span of time during asthma attack which could even result in death of patient. Even between episodes of these attacks patient suffer with other mild symptoms like shortness in breath while walking, climbing stairs, exercising or working. These symptoms can only be controlled by consuming drugs regularly and by avoiding any such exertive activities and environmental changes.

Asthma is found to be more common in children then in adults, almost 25% of children in developed countries are being diagnosed for asthma in all over the world. People suffering with eczema and other allergies run higher risk for getting affected with asthma. Doctors diagnose asthma based on typical findings in individual’s clinical examination and history. Peak Flow Meter and Lung Function Testing are reliable methods for diagnosing asthma in adults. In children careful analysis of clinical history and bronchodilator medication is used by doctors to confirm asthma.

Probably the best treatment for asthma is identifying the asthma stimulants and avoiding or eliminating exposure to them. Doctors also suggest bronchodilator drugs for instant symptomatic control of shortness in breathing and wheezing. These bronchodilators typically come in pocket size inhalers and asthma spacers which aid in providing immediate relief during asthma attacks.