Asthma is a chronic disease in which the airways in the lungs become temporarily inflamed and produce excess mucus. This reduces the amount of oxygen taken to the lungs. As a result, bodily functions are affected, speech becomes slurred, and the person exhibits a characteristic “whistling” voice.
A condition in which the airways narrow and swell, producing excess mucus. This can lead to difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, coughing and problems breathing.
There are many factors that can cause asthma, and these range from allergies to viral and bacterial infections. Also, asthma sufferers have very sensitive airways, so small irritants like pollen and animals (similar to pollen in humans) can cause inflammation in the airways and moist dry air can also trigger asthma flare-ups.
What is Asthma?
It makes breathing difficult and can make certain bodily functions difficult or even impossible. It is the most common condition among American children: 1 in 12 reliable sources children have asthma.
Normally, with each breath, air passes through your nose or mouth, down your throat, into your airways, and then into your lungs.
Asthma symptoms occur when the lining of your airways becomes inflamed and the muscles around them tighten. Mucus then fills the airways, further reducing airflow.
These can then trigger an asthma “attack”, which is the coughing and chest tightness that usually occurs in the chest.
Causes
- Genetic structure. If a parent or sibling has asthma, you are more likely to develop it.
- History of viral infection. People with a history of severe childhood viral illness, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, may have this condition.
- The concept of hygiene. This theory explains that when babies don’t get enough bacteria in the first months and years, the immune system isn’t strong enough to fight off asthma and other allergies.
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