What is asthma?
As we breathe, air moves in and out of the lungs through branching airways (breathing tubes).
People with asthma have sensitive airways, which become narrowed as a result of many causes.
This makes it difficult for them to breathe.
The three main factors that cause this narrowing of the airways are that the inner lining of the airways becomes red and swollen, the muscle around the airways tighten and extra mucus may be produced.
What triggers an asthma attack?
* house dust
* insecticides
* cigarette and other smoke
* animals with fur
* emotional upsets
* plant pollen
* changes in weather
* colds
* physical strain
These are just a few of the "triggers" that can cause asthma. Different people are sensitive to different triggers.
If you have asthma it is important for you to identify you asthma triggers and avoid them as far as possible.
What are the main symptoms of asthma?
* coughing
* wheezing - a whistling sound when you breathe
* tightness in the chest
* shortness of breath
The symptoms vary from person to person and from time to time within the same person. Some people have all the symptoms, while others may have only a cough or wheezing.
Can asthma be cured?
Asthma cannot be cured but it can be controlled.
Getting you asthma under control means that you are able to lead a normal life without having any symptoms of asthma.
How can you control asthma?
* avoid triggers (pollen, smoking, dust)
* visit you doctor regularly
* take your asthma medicine without fail
* lead an active life
* keep a close watch on your asthma symptoms
Is asthma contagious?
No, asthma cannot be passed on to others by someone who has it.
If I have asthma will my children also get it?
The tendency to get asthma does run in families.
However, this does not mean that if you have asthma, your children will necessarily get it.
At what age does asthma start?
There is no specific age at which asthma starts. It can begin during childhood, adolescence or even later. - Cipla Metpro