Broadcast: Thursday 06 April 2006 09:00 PM |
Asthma causes inflammation of the lower airways (breathing tubes). These are made of muscular bands lined with mucus membrane.
What is Asthma?
Asthma causes inflammation of the lower airways (breathing tubes). These are made of muscular bands lined with mucus membrane.
People with asthma have extra-sensitive airways. These are easily irritated by airborne smoke or chemicals, viruses or bacteria and often common substances that do not affect other people. They make the muscular walls of the airways go into spasm.
Frequent irritation and spasms cause the linings to become inflamed and produce extra mucus or phlegm. The inflamed airways are then even more easily irritated as they try to expel phlegm and debris. Sometimes cold air, changes in temperature or exercise can trigger asthma symptoms.
Symptoms
The symptoms of asthma are:
- cough
- shortness of breath
- chest tightness
- wheeze
- phlegm
Not everybody will have all of these symptoms. Symptoms are often worse at night and early morning. They may only be present or be worse at certain times of the year, and may even disappear for short periods. Hormonal changes can also affect symptom severity.
Triggers
Most childhood asthma is triggered by allergies. Many adult asthmatics are also allergic, although some adult asthma is triggered by exercise, medicines or as a result of smoking. Asthma may improve during the teenage years but return later.
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