The Warning Signs of
an Asthma Attack
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic and non-curable disease
which involves the respiratory system, and which causes the airways to
constrict and become inflamed. However, it is believed by some to be
partially inherited, but is also considered to be due to a wide array
of other factors, such as environmental, infectious, and chemical
factors. Therefore, although there is no definitive cause as of yet for
asthma, there are certain presumed factors both in regards to the cause
of asthma as well as to the onset of asthma attacks.
What is an Asthma Attack?
There are many factors which are considered
to trigger an asthma attack, as well as that of risk factors; although
anyone may have an attack, it most commonly occurs in the following
persons: children under the age of 5, adults in their 30s, adults over
65, and people living in urban communities. There are certain other
factors as well that are considered to be involved, including: family
history of asthma, personal medical history of allergies, children with
a family history of asthma, children who have allergies and children
who have exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke.
There are certain factors that occur during
a typical asthma attack, with the most common being: the lungs and
airways overreact to certain triggers causing the lining of the airways
to become inflamed and swollen, tightening of the muscles that surround
the airways, and an increased production of mucous; breathing becomes
harder and may hurt; possible coughing; and there may also be a
wheezing or whistling sound, and this is especially typical of asthma.
There are certain factors which are
typically accused of causing attacks, and which any asthmatic should
try their best to stay away from, and this includes that of the
following: allergens, such as mold, pollen, animal protein,
cockroaches, and certain foods; respiratory infections and sinusitis;
irritants, such as strong perfumes, chemicals such as coal or talcum
powder, air pollutants, changing weather conditions, and
chemical-exposure; sensitivity to medications, such as aspirin or
sulfites which are used as preservatives in foods and beverages;
strenuous
exercise; gastroesophageal reflux; smoke; and emotional anxiety and
nervous stress.
Because this condition is not curable, it is
vitally important to take all of the proper precautionary methods that
you can, in order to prevent attacks from coming on as best as
you can.
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