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When people inhale, air reaches the lungs through the windpipe. The lungs are divided into two tubes called bronchi. These tubes further divide into smaller tubes called bronchioles. And inside the brochioles are tiny air sacs called alveoli. It is through these air sacs that oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide from the bloodstream is cycled back into the air. These airways can be constricted or filled with mucous when a person has asthma. This can create a condition where there is too much carbon dioxide in the lungs. The lungs then become more acidic. If left untreated, toxins can collect in the lungs and ultimately end up in the bloodstream. This can lead to more serious complications and diseases.
Asthma is actually a reaction by the lungs to the triggers. The body tries to minimize the entrance of the offending substances. The bodies natural defense system narrows the airways and produces extra mucous to protect itself. Unfortunately, this can lead to some serious repercussions. -
People with allergies or a compromised immune system are highly prone to asthma. They may have sensitivities to airborne triggers such as pollen, pollution or household chemicals. People with food allergies are particularly prone to asthma. Their bodies rebel against certain items such as wheat or milk, causing the airways of the lungs to constrict and produce too much mucous. Many times, asthma symptoms will subside once the trigger is removed.
Research has shown that heavy people are also susceptible to getting asthma. A hormone in the body called leptin helps regulate fat and body weight. It is produced by fat cells but can also cause inflammation in the lungs. Heavier people also have more trouble exercising and clearing their lungs with rigorous activity. Though some people actually have exercised-induced asthma, many people see an improvement in lung capacity and breathing when exercising. A correlation is also deemed to exist between babies born via Caesarean section and asthma. Babies born this way have higher incidences of asthma. -
Most people who suffer from asthma can have one or more of the following symptoms: Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain and even pressure in the lungs. These symptoms can either be mild or severe, but all symptoms have certain triggers. For example, some asthmatics who get the flu (a trigger) often have such severe shortness of breath they can barely breathe. Some even require emergency treatment at a hospital.
Wheezing is often a sign that mucous is building up in the lungs. It can stem from the onset of a cold or from the dander of a family pet. Wheezing is one of the early signs of asthma. As wheezing worsens, a person may start having more trouble breathing. If he doesn't get medical treatment or deal appropriately with the trigger, he can end up having some severe asthma symptoms. Ultimately, asthma can lead to a person's death if not properly treated. -
WikimediaAll asthma symptoms have triggers that cause a person to suffer certain symptoms. Triggers can include one or more of the following: Airborne allergens like pollen, mold or grass, smoke, pollution or smog, household cleaners, soaps, perfume, laundry detergent, carpet cleaner, nail polish, nail polish remover, carbon, family pets, food allergies, exercise, weather conditions and colds or the flu.
People who suffer from seasonal allergies can sometimes go through the entire winter without any asthma symptoms. But once spring arrives, their asthma starts up. Most regions go through several pollen seasons during the spring and summer. Trees and flowers are just starting to bloom, grass is growing and mold can be rampant. Any of these things can trigger asthma problems, particularly if a person is highly allergic to the substance.
Another trigger for asthmatics are chemicals. Household cleaners contain ammonia, formaldehyde, glycerin and many other harmful chemicals. Any number of these offensive pollutants can trigger an asthma attack. Perfume is particularly bad for people that are prone to asthma. It contains some of the same ingredients as the gasoline used in our cars.
In the winter, especially in sub-zero weather, going outside can trigger asthma problems for some people. Some people also get asthma symptoms when exercising. Others get it when they are ill. And both children and adults often have asthma because of food allergies. -
Many times asthma can be cured by just identifying the trigger and removing it. If a family cat causes asthma, the solution is getting rid of it. This becomes more complicated for those who suffer from airborne allergies. Often, antihistamines are used to assuage these symptoms. Corticosteroids are often prescribed for more severe cases.
Family physicians will often recommend an allergist for people with certain sensitivities and asthma. Allergists can test the individual for airborne and food allergies. Injections may be recommended for severe allergies. And inhalers such as Proventil and Advair may be prescribed to treat the asthma symptoms.
