Asthma is a chronic airway condition which is when the bronchial tubes become inflames, making it difficult for air to flow through these airways. The cause of asthma is known to be a condition of environmental and genetic factors and is worsened when exposed to various irritants, known as triggers. When triggers are encountered asthma may become worse; this is known as an asthma attack.
Triggers that may cause an asthma attack include various airborne substances such as pollen, dust mites, mould spores, pet dander, allergens, certain medications and pollutants like smoke. Triggers can be difficult to pinpoint as attacks can even be caused by very cold air, stress and may also be exercise-induced.
What does an asthma attack look like?
Asthma typically causes symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness during an asthma attack. For many asthma is a minor nuisance, but for others’ threatening, and it is thus important to see a doctor for a comprehensive diagnosis and to pinpoint what triggers attacks. Once you know the triggers, your lung specialist may assist you in how best to manage flares and what emergency treatment may involve.
How can asthma be treated?
Treatment will involve long-term control medications to reduce the inflammation in your airways, preventing an asthma attack. In cases of an asthma attack, quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) may be used to open the inflamed airways. In some cases, if triggers are allergens, allergy medications may be necessary. Because asthma often changes over time, many only have bad asthma symptoms as a child, and once their longs have grown, the symptoms go away. In most cases, asthma is present for the rest of their lives, but symptoms will come and go.