Asthma - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Asthma is not caused due to a specific reason, but there are various aspects which lead to this state. Causative reasons which lead to asthma are surroundings, hereditary and even nutritional regime.

The common perilous aspects of the growth of asthma are:

-Premature birth.
-Exposure of the child to the smoke of tobacco, especially through the mother.
-If the weight of the child at the time of birth is low.
-In case there is a record in the family of asthma, or any other sensitive conditions called 'atopic conditions', like 'hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis or eczema'.
-The presence of 'bronchiolitis' in childhood, and growth of any other 'atopic condition'.

The indications of this condition can get activated by various peripheral aspects like:

-Climatic conditions, like chilly atmosphere could cause asthma.
-Emotional aspects, like anxiety, pressure or even expressing amusement can cause asthma.
-Infections in the respiratory tract that is the chest and the airways. This is primarily due to viruses.
Parasites, fungi and bacteria could also be accountable to trigger this condition in a few cases.
-Medications, medicines like the NSAIDs that is 'nonsteriod anti - inflammatory drugs' like the 'ibuprofen and aspirin' which are widely known can also lead to asthma. There is another medication called the 'beta - blockers' which is given in case of 'high blood pressure' is also known to cause asthma.
-Allergens, like dust mites, fur or feathers of animals and pollen also causes asthma.
-Presence of sulphites in food, sulphites is a natural substance which is found specific foods. It is also used as a preservative. A few foods and drinks with a high value of sulphite are shrimp, foods which are processed, wine and beer.
-Irritants which are carried by the wind, like pollution in the atmosphere, smoke from the cigarette and fumes from chemicals also cause asthma.

Before an asthma attack occurs there is an indication that is something occurs biologically known as inflammation. This is one of the conditions in which the immune system aids in fighting diseases aligned with bacteria or viruses.

Symptoms:

The indications of asthma could take place without clear reasoning. The indications comprise of:

1- Coughing, especially during the night.
2- Breathlessness.
3- Wheezing.
4- Feeling of tightness in the chest.

The time period and the harshness of the indications are random and inconsistent and at times worsen with working out or even at night. In case of a severe asthmatic attack, the indications start building up gradually taking 6 to 48 hours. It is important to keep a check on the indication as they would worsen, the signs are:

1- The wheezing increases.
2- The level of the 'peak expiratory flow rate' drops.
3- Restlessness.
4- The pulse rate increases.

The characteristic indications of a severe asthmatic attack comprise of:

1- Difficulty in talking and breathing.
2- Tightening of the skin near the neck and chest.
3- Increase in the pulse rate.
4- Flaring of the nostrils while trying to breathe.
5- Fingernails and lips tend to turn blue.

Treatment:

There are many treatments of asthma. First comes the 'Personal Asthma Plan', here the person suffering from asthma is told everything he or she should keep in mind and told about self care, symptoms of an attack and various aspects of asthma. Then is the 'Medical Treatment - the stepwise approach', here the treatment is a step wise procedure, depending on the harshness of the condition.

There are 5 stages in this treatment; they are 'mild intermittent asthma', 'regular prevention therapy', and 'add - on therapy', 'persistent poor control and continuous or frequent use of oral steroids'.

The other treatment to treat asthma is called the 'Exercise - induced asthma', here a medication is given sometime before exercising, the pattern of exercise is altered and the condition is treated accordingly.

To Your Health!