At a loss for breath...

ASTHMA

Asthma is a disease that affects people's breathing. It is a common condition that affects the small air passages (bronchi) of the lungs and people with asthma will usually have sensitive airways. During an asthma attack, the small airways become narrow due to the passages becoming swollen and inflamed, and this leads to the production of mucus (fluid). This reduces the flow of air in and out of the lungs therefore making it even harder for the person to breathe. This can lead to coughing, tightness in the chest and wheezing. Not all children who have asthma will wheeze or cough.

Often people think asthma is a children's disease and although it is common in children, anyone can get asthma.
Asthma is more common than most people realise. About 1 in 5 children have asthma that can be easily identified and only have mild to moderate attacks. Up to 4 in 10 people have asthmatic tendencies but they usually grow out of it. 1 in 10 adults suffer with asthma. Some families may have both parents as asthma suffers yet the children are completely free from it. Fortunately very severe asthma is rare. However over 700 people die each year from asthma in Australia and half of those deaths are believed to be preventable through improved asthma management.

Around 2 million Australians have asthma, and this number is disappointingly on the increase. However the comforting news is that it can be controlled and the number of fatalities due to asthma is falling. Most people with asthma can live a healthy and active life if they follow some simple steps.

Asthma is triggered by different things

Asmtha has been found to be associated with conditions such as eczema, hayfever, croup and allergies and has also been found to run in families. Asthma is triggered by different things for different people. Some of the most common triggers of an attack are:

Having a cold
Cigarette smoke
Weather changes
Dust in the home or surroundings and dust mites
Cold air
Certain chemicals
Pollen
Some animals
Some emotional factors

Often there is more than one trigger for asthma for each person.

Asthma attacks can be regulated and controlled

If you think you have asthma then make sure you speak with your medical practitioner about this and they will be able to help you toward a course of action.

Medication will help control asthma attacks in most cases. Asthma is an illness that will come and go at different times and will also depend upon what triggers each individual.

With the right treatment and proper management, almost all people with asthma can lead active lives and enjoy playing sports and participating in leisure activities. Asthma medicines work by either opening the narrow airways or preventing them from narrowing in the first place.

The two common medications are: