A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES PT 1

Asthma is a condition wherein a person finds it difficult to breathe due to congestions in the bronchial tubes. There are many types of asthma; allergic asthma is one of the most common ones in the US.

Allergies and asthma are often seen to occur together. A recent study by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology said that around 25 million adults and children in the US have allergic asthma, and shockingly, the numbers are expected to increase in the days to come due to the changes in our lifestyle today. As there is no definite cure for asthma, it is essential for all to be aware of the symptoms and complications of the disorder to control and treat it in time.

An Overview of Allergic Asthma

The bronchial tubes in our chest carry the air we breathe in and out of the lungs. These branches of the windpipe have tiny air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the tube, which collect carbon dioxide and deliver oxygen to the blood. Normally, the muscles around the airways stay relaxed when a person breathes and allow air to pass freely. However, they tighten and narrow the airway during an asthma episode, which is medically known as bronchospasm. At the same time, the lining of the airways also get swollen and the cells in the bronchial tubes produce more mucus that is thicker than usual. This makes breathing very difficult for the person during an asthma episode.

The severity and frequency of the symptoms of asthma depend on the severity of the condition. Commonly, an asthma patient would experience symptoms such as recurrent coughs (especially at night), wheezing, breathlessness, and chest pain or tightness. However, not all asthma patients have the same symptoms, and there can be many others as well. Sometimes, the symptoms even vary from one asthma episode to another, being mild at first and then growing severe the next time.

Causes

There can be many factors, which trigger the breathing disorder in a person. The airways in our body are very sensitive and can react to different things in different people. However, the most common asthma triggers are said to be sinus infections, common cold, flu, tobacco smoking, air pollution, dust mites, skin or food allergies, pollens, mold spores, etc. Sometimes, strong odors, dust, and changes in temperature can also lead to asthma, especially in children. If you’re experiencing these symptoms it’s best to consult a primary care doctor.