Asthma is a condition the causes inflammation in the airways, the tubes that lead to and from the lungs. In the UK, there are around 5.4 million people with asthma, of whom around 1.1 million are children. It is the most common long-term medical condition for children.
The condition causes inflammation and irritation in the airways. The muscles around the airways become swollen and the lining inflamed, with excessive mucus or phlegm building up. All of this makes it difficult for the sufferer to breathe. This shortness of breath, along with wheezing and coughing, are typical asthma symptoms.
There are two types of asthma – intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic asthma is also known as allergic asthma, where a sufferer has an identifiable allergic reaction to specific material that causes their condition. Intrinsic asthma is non-allergic and is a form of the condition that more typically appears in older people.
Extrinsic asthma is triggered by allergic reactions to the likes of dust, pollen and food and is the most common form of asthma seen in children. Intrinsic asthma is often diagnosed after a respiratory infection and can then be triggered by exercise, chest infections, smoke and by situations of extreme stress or high emotion.
Mild cases of asthma can be managed well by medication taken twice daily. However, more severe cases of the condition can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks. In an asthma attack, the airways may close completely, cutting off the oxygen supply. It’s important for sufferers with more severe forms of asthma to recognise the potential triggers for an asthma attack and to avoid situations that might provoke an attack – for example, smoke-filled environments and exercise can be triggers.
During a severe asthma attack, there will be a dramatic worsening of the symptoms of tightness of the chest and shortness of breath as the muscles around the airways tighten in what is known as a bronchospasm. As the lungs tighten, the sufferer will be unable to breathe and if not treated immediately, will eventually develop a bluish colouring around the lips known as cyanosis. This is a highly dangerous situation that requires immediate medical help.
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