Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways that transport air to and from the lungs. Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swells and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthma can’t be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled.

Types of Asthma

Many different aspects of a person’s environment and genetic makeup can contribute to the development of asthma.

Extrinsic: This type is associated with and triggered by allergens. Sometimes known as allergic asthma, it is more common and typically develops in childhood. Your immune system reacts to what would normally be a harmless substance by increasing antibodies, increasing mucous and thereby, making airways narrow and inflamed. It can be associated with:

• Pollens
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Certain foods like Nuts

Intrinsic Asthma: This is a non-allergic, non-seasonal form. Usually, it first occurs during adulthood. Intrinsic asthma represents a small amount of all cases. It usually develops after the age of 30 and is not typically associated with allergies. Intrinsic asthma can be difficult to treat and symptoms are often chronic and year-round. Substances irritate the airways. It is associated with:

• Chemicals such as cleaning products, aerosols, air fresheners
• Exercise-induced
• Environmental pollution or cigarette smoke
• Extremes of cold or very hot weather
• Emotional extremes – such as laughing, stress

Causes

Many different aspects of a person’s environment and genetic makeup can contribute to the development of asthma.

• Genetics: It is widely accepted that asthma is a disease that can be inherited. If there’s asthma, eczema, hay fever or other allergies in family, it makes asthma more likely.
• Persons with allergies can develop asthma. A strong link exists between allergies and asthma.
• Smoking increases the risk of developing asthma. It has a part to play in adult-onset asthma. Smoking during pregnancy or passive smoking may also increase the risk of developing asthma in children.
• Exposure to triggers at work: Sometimes asthma triggers present at the workplace which is a reason for causing asthma.
• Female hormones: Hormones can play a part in triggering late onset asthma and some women first develop asthma during or after the menopause.
• Pollution plays a part in causing asthma. Environmental pollution, including traffic fumes and chemicals from power plants, can make asthma symptoms worse and may play a part in causing asthma.
• Childhood Development: The early months and years of a child’s life are critical times during which a baby can develop or become susceptible to developing asthma. The abnormal development and growth of the lungs can increase a person’s risk for developing asthma.

Asthma Triggers

Exposure to various irritants and substances that trigger allergies (allergens), can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma:

• Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste
• Strong emotions and stress
• Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
• Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
• Cold air
• Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve)
• Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine
• Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke

Risk Factors

• Having a family history with asthma
• Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing
• Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Being overweight
• Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution
• Being a smoker
• Exposure to secondhand smoke

Symptoms

The classic signs and symptoms of asthma are shortness of breath, cough (often worse at night), and wheezing (high-pitched whistling sound produced by turbulent airflow through narrow airways, typically with exhalation). Many patients also report chest tightness. It is important to note that these symptoms are episodic, and individuals with asthma can go long periods of time without any symptoms.

It’s not necessary that every person with asthma shows all of these symptoms. For instance, some people may have disturbed sleep at night due to excessive coughing, while others may experience breathlessness while exercising.

Prevention

Avoidance of triggers is a key component of improving control and preventing attacks of Asthma. It’s vital to learn to identify your asthma triggers and take steps to avoid them. If you have allergies and asthma, it’s important to minimize your exposure to allergens (substances to which you are allergic). Minimize exposure to all sources of smoke, including tobacco, incense, candles, fires, and fireworks.

Avoid close contact with people who have a cold or the flu, because your asthma symptoms may worsen if you catch the infection from them. Early pet exposure may be useful. Coping with stress can help prevent and control your asthma. Meditation helps a person reduce stress.

Exercise is beneficial in people with stable asthma. Yoga could provide small improvements in quality of life and symptoms in people with asthma.

With proper management and prevention of asthma you can minimize your symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.