Asthma is a respiratory condition which affects millions of people across the world. Our modern lifestyles of poor diets, lack of exercise and excess pollution have developed a society that suffers with this potentially life-threatening disease. A new study shows that one in ten Cumbrians suffer with asthma – in 2012, there were 172 cases of children being rushed to hospital with breathing related difficulties due to asthma.
The results of the study suggest that while the number of emergency admissions caused by asthma has decreased, the length of stay due to the condition is increasing. In particular, researchers have noted that poor management of the medication has led to more children suffering with a drastically deteriorating condition. Asthma is caused by the airways to the lungs tightening and becoming swollen, whilst producing a sticky mucus. These changes to the airways cause them to narrow which leads to breathing difficulties. There are various contributing factors which lead to one developing asthma, including cigarette smoke, allergy triggers and viral infections. It isn’t curable but you can manage the condition with some lifestyle changes.
The symptoms of asthmas include wheezing or coughing, shortness of breath and a tight feeling in your chest. There are various treatments for the condition, though whatever stage of your asthma you should be aware of any triggers which worsen your symptoms, as these are best avoided to reduce the risk of an attack. From inhalers to symptom controllers, you can manage asthma easily with the appropriate medication. If you’re concerned that you may have asthma, book an appointment with your GP who can run tests to determine if you have the condition. It is a serious health issue, so if you’re showing signs of it, you should seek medical advice in order to get the correct treatment.
Comments are closed.