The condition causes inflammation in the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs, causing typical symptoms of shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, wheezing and coughing. Many sufferers will also endure a build-up of mucus.
The exact causes of asthma are not known but in many people – and in children in particular – the condition is triggered by allergic reactions. In older people, asthma often develops after a respiratory or viral infection. In the UK, around 5.4 million people are living with asthma, including 1.1 million children. The condition can be hereditary and you are more at risk of developing asthma if there is a family history of asthma or allergies.
Effective treatment for asthma comes with steroid inhalers and non-steroid drugs known as bronchodilators that work together to reduce the inflammation of the airways. The steroids reduce the swelling in the tissue lining the bronchial tubes, while the bronchodilators relax the muscles of the airways to open them up and make breathing easier. The combination of medication prescribed for you will depend on the severity of your condition.
If your type of asthma is one caused by allergens, you need to learn what particular substances can trigger an attack. Common allergies are to house dust, pet hair, pollen and smoke. You may have to change your lifestyle to avoid those triggers – for example, giving up smoking or avoiding situations that expose you to allergens such as pollen and pet hair. This management of your condition can help you healthy and reduce the painful symptoms of the disease.
When you have been diagnosed with non-allergy asthma, again you should become aware of what factors can trigger an attack. These can include stress, exercise, situations of high emotion and respiratory infections.