Asthma
You will find everything you need to know about asthma on this page.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease that causes intermittent breathing difficulties, appearing as attacks. It involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways that carry air in and out of your lungs.
- What are the Symptoms of Asthma?
- 1- Wheezing while breathing.
- 2- Shortness of breath.
- 3- Coughing, especially early in the morning or at night.
- 4- Difficulty sleeping due to shortness of breath.
5- Chesttightness and pain.
Symptoms can vary in severity from mild to severe. During an asthma attack, symptoms worsen, either gradually or suddenly.
What are the Causes of Asthma?
- There are no clear causes of asthma, but there are factors that may increase the likelihood of developing it, including:
1- Genetic Factors:
- If one of your parents has asthma, your likelihood of having it increases.
- 2- Environmental or Occupational Factors:
- Smoke and tobacco products: Exposure increases the risk of asthma. Children exposed to smoke from an early age may have affected lung development, leading to early symptom onset.
- Occupational Asthma: This occurs when a person is repeatedly exposed at work to allergens like wood dust, mold, or chemicals, which may lead to asthma, even if they are no longer exposed to these materials over the years.
- Outdoor air pollution.
- 3- Health Issues:
- Allergies. .
- Obesity.
4- Respiratory infections.
5- Gender:
In children, boys are more likely to have asthma than girls. However, among adults, women are more affected by asthma than men.
What are the Diagnostic Methods?:
- The doctor takes the patient’s medical history and conducts a physical exam. They may also request additional procedures as needed, such as:
-Spirometry test: A device used to measure how well the lungs function.
How is Asthma Treated?
Treatment involves various measures, depending on the need, and may include:
– Long-term Medications: “Preventive drugs” reduce airway inflammation and help prevent airway narrowing. This alleviates asthma symptoms and reduces the likelihood of asthma attacks or crises.
– Quick-relief Medications: “Emergency relief drugs” are used during an asthma attack to help alleviate symptoms by opening the airways.
What are the Prevention Methods for Asthma?
- Although there are no ways to prevent asthma, symptoms and asthma attacks can be prevented by:
- Make sure you take your medications correctly.
- Always carry your fast-acting emergency inhaler.
- Get the seasonal flu vaccines every year, as the flu infection can worsenasthma attacks. If your child has asthma, ensure they complete all vaccinations..
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- Stop smoking: For more details, refer to the smoking cessation guide.
- If you have asthma and smoke, you should quit.
- If you have asthma, ensure others do not smoke near you, in your home, car, or any place where you spend most of your time.
- Identify and avoid the triggers that cause your asthma attacks.
Keep up with regular check-ups and doctor appointments.
What are the Complications of Having Asthma?
- Failing to control asthma and adhere tothe treatment plan may lead to:.
- Fatigue and exhaustion.
- Lack of sleep.
- Inability to exercise.
- Reduced productivity during the day.
- Decreased lung function.
Poor mental health.
- When Should You See a Doctor?
- – If you think you might have asthma.
– If you have asthma and are experiencing a severe asthma attack, that does not improve..
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does AsthmaAffectPregnancy?
If you have asthma, you should consult your doctor to create a treatment plan during pregnancy, to control asthma symptoms and avoid attacks. Asthma attacks can lower oxygen levels, which means the baby may not receive enough oxygen, potentially leading to premature birth.
Does Asthma Affect Childbirth?
An asthma attack during childbirth is rare. However, if attack symptoms appear, there is no harm in using your fast-acting emergency inhaler.
Is it True that People with Asthma Should Not Exercise?
No. Daily exercise helps improve lung capacity and increases blood flow to the lungs, enhancing blood circulation to the heart, which then pumps oxygen throughout the body.
- Tips to Avoid Exercise-Induced Asthma:
- 1- Ensure you take your medications regularly.
- 2- Always carry your fast-acting emergency inhaler.
- 3- Warm up before starting exercise and perform post-workout stretching.
4- During exercise, monitor symptoms. If asthma attack symptoms appear, stop and use your fast-acting emergency inhaler. If your symptoms do not improve, do not continue exercising.
Is It True that Childhood Asthma Disappears with Puberty?
