~ A Visual Guide to Asthma ~

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What Is Asthma?



Asthma is a lung disorder that interferes with breathing. It can cause serious, recurring episodes of wheezing and breathlessness, known as asthma attacks. The trouble stems from chronic inflammation in the tubes that carry air to the lungs. While there is no cure, there are highly effective strategies for keeping asthma symptoms at bay.

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Symptoms of an Asthma Attack



Symptoms of an asthma attack include:

Wheezing
Coughing that won't stop
Shortness of breath
Tightness in the chest

In severe cases, an untreated asthma attack can be life-threatening.

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When to Seek Emergency Care



Some asthma attacks require emergency treatment like:

You are too breathless to walk or talk.
Your lips or fingernails look blue.
Using a rescue inhaler doesn’t help.

These are signs that your body is not getting enough oxygen. Emergency treatment can help open the airways and restore oxygen levels.

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Asthma Early Warning Signs



Sometimes asthma causes more subtle symptoms that don't interrupt your daily activities. But these can be warning signs that a full-blown asthma attack is imminent. Red flags to watch for include frequent coughing (especially at night), difficulty sleeping, unexplained fatigue, and feeling out of breath.

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What Causes an Asthma Attack?



In people with asthma, the airways are chronically inflamed. Certain triggers can make the inflammation worse and cause a narrowing of the airways. At the same time, the body may produce extra mucus that clogs the airways. These changes work together to restrict the flow of air to the lungs. As too little air gets through, wheezing and breathlessness occur.

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Asthma Triggers: Allergies



Allergens that can trigger an asthma attack include:

Mold
Dust mites
Cockroaches
Pollen from trees or flowers
Foods such as peanuts, eggs, fish

If pollen is one of your triggers, you'll probably notice your asthma symptoms are worse at certain times of year.

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Asthma Triggers: Pets



Pet allergies are another common asthma trigger. The problem is dander -- dead skin cells that collect on clothing, furniture, and walls. When pet dander is inhaled, it can cause an asthma attack in as little as 15 minutes. People with cat allergies react to a protein in the cat's saliva, skin, and urine. This protein accumulates in the air or on surfaces and can trigger asthma attacks in 20% to 30% of people with asthma.

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Asthma Triggers: Air Pollution



Outdoor and indoor air pollution can make asthma symptoms worse. Top irritants include smog, cigarette smoke, paint fumes, and even hairspray. These are known as non-allergic asthma triggers. They don't cause an allergic reaction, but can prompt an asthma attack by irritating the airways.

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Asthma Triggers: Exercise



The health benefits of regular exercise are extensive and well-documented. But physical activity can also trigger asthma symptoms in many people. This is sometimes called exercise-induced asthma. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you have to give up exercise. There are ways to control asthma so it won't interfere with the activities you enjoy.

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Asthma Triggers: Weather



People with asthma may notice that symptoms get worse during certain types of weather. When the temperature drops, the chances of having an asthma attack may go up. Other triggers include air that is extremely humid or very dry.

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Who Gets Asthma?



Asthma can appear at any age, but it typically develops during childhood. Those most at risk include people with allergies or a family history of asthma. Having a parent with asthma makes children three to six times more likely to develop the condition. Gender also plays a role. Asthma is more common in boys during childhood but in women during adulthood.

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Occupational Asthma



Certain types of jobs can raise your risk of developing asthma as an adult. This includes working in a factory or other environment where you are routinely exposed to certain chemicals or industrial dusts.

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Asthma and Smoking



Several studies suggest that adults and teenagers who smoke are more likely to develop asthma. And there is strong evidence to incriminate secondhand smoke as well. Kids who are around people who smoke have a higher chance of getting asthma early in life.

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Asthma and Obesity



Asthma is also more common in people who are overweight or obese. In a review of seven studies, researchers found asthma to be twice as common in obese adults and 38 percent more common in overweight adults, compared to people with a healthy BMI.

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Asthma Rates on the Rise



Asthma rates have been rising steadily in the U.S. for decades. Some researchers suggest this is the result of better hygiene, which has reduced the number of childhood infections. The theory is that fewer infections may mean a less well-developed immune system, and an increased risk of asthma. Other possible explanations are the increased use of household cleaning sprays, the decreased use of aspirin, and lower levels of vitamin D.