Asthma
Brief Definition:
Asthma is a common condition affecting over nine million
Americans. It is caused by the spasm of muscular fibers
around the bronchial tubes, or airways which begin to
tighten or twitch due to various environmental factors such
as cold air, pollution, or allergens such as dust, pollen,
mold spores, animal dander, food products or some drugs.
Overexertion can also cause an asthma attack. Asthma is the
most common chronic disease of childhood, however some
asthmatic children grow out of the disease over time.
Remember, asthma is a treatable condition.
Common Symptoms:
The symptoms of asthma can be as mild as slight wheezing
or a rattle when you breathe, or the lining of the lungs can
become so swollen and inflamed that the flow of air is
virtually cut-off. Often a dry cough is present, but
ineffective in forcing out the sticky mucus the lungs have
produced. A psychological symptom is the panic that goes
along with an asthma attack. The average asthmatic breathes
at 60% to 70% capacity, which can drop to 20% during an
attack. The anxiety is real and can actually increase the
intensity of the asthma attack.
Treatment:
Identifying irritants that initiate an asthma attack, and
avoiding them is the first step. Air filters have become an
important part of defense by controlling airborne irritants.
Drinking plenty of fluids also is effective in keeping mucus
in the lungs thin and coughable. Learning to breathe
efficiently, control anxiety prior to an attack, and
carefully exercise to increase breathing capacity are
important treatment tools as well.
We hope this information has been helpful. Please call
Environmental Health and Allergy Center - St. Louis at
314-921-5600 or email us at
ehacstl@ehacstl.com for more information.
