Description
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by spasms of the bronchial tubes/narrowing of airways, shortness of breath, cough, wheezing on expiration/inspiration, expectoration of tenacious mucoid sputum. Asthma occurs as recurrent attacks that range from mild wheezing to a life-threatening inability to breath. There are 4 categories of asthma:
Allergic Asthma
Allergic asthma is usually induced by the airborne allergens(dust, airpollution, windborn pollens) in people with hypersensitive airways. This allergens trigger the production of antibodies that cause mast cell to release histamine that causes the constriction of smooth muscles of the bronchi and causes mucosal edema(water retention).
Asthma In Children
Onset of asthma in children usually occurs between 3 and 8 years of age. Reoccurring asthma attacks are usually accompanied by shortness of breath, wheezing, prolonged expiration and irritative cough. Asthma in children is usually extrinsic, that is allergy related condition that caused by pollens, dust, animals danders, molds, chemical pollution in the air, early introduction of solid foods to infants, food additives.
Exercise-Induced Asthma
A form of asthma that produces symptoms after forceful exercise and associated with a bronchial reaction that is due, not to release of histamine, but rather such factor as exercise.
Intrinsic Asthma
A nonseasonal, nonallergic form of asthma, usually first occurring later in life than allergic asthma, that tends to be chronic and persistent rather than episodic. The bronchospasm may occur in cold, damp weather, after sudden inhalation of cold dry air, violent laughing. respiratory infections, such as common cold, and psychological factors, such as an anxiety may also induce the attack.
What to Expect:
The inability to breathe can be both frightening and life threatening. It is important to be aware of your limits and possible reactions to specific situations (pollution, fumes, et cetera).
