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 Asthma is a disease which causes the muscles around the airways in the lungs to contract, as well as the lining of the bronchial tubes to become inflamed and swollen. The inflammation produces a thick mucus which causes airways to narrow and subsequently restrict breathing leading to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
People who suffer from asthma can be more susceptible to cold, exercise and strong odours and even though it can develop at any age, asthma is more common in children.
Asthma sufferers who catch a cold can develop chest congestion which worsens the symptoms, producing night and early morning coughing, as well as exercise induced coughing.
Cold air can also produce a cough, among other factors, with the cough not responding to medicines or antibiotics.
Shortness of breath occurs with minimal activity and even if an asthma sufferer is physically fit they can have their breathing restricted due to asthma.
Wheezing is caused by a tightening or narrowing of airways, which creates a "whistling" sound from the chest. Chest tightness, gasping and breathing restriction is also common.
Environmental allergies can cause allergy and is typically a common cause in children over the age of six. Allergies and irritants which can trigger asthma include;
Asthma Allergens
- Animal hair.
- Dust and dust mites.
- Moulds.
- Pollen from trees, grass and weeds.
Asthma Irritants
- Cigarette smoke, fire smoke or burning wood.
- Smog or pollution.
- Chemicals, strong odours and sprays.
Other Asthma Triggers
- Cold weather, hot, dry or humid weather.
- Infections such as colds or flu.
- Exercise
- Medication, particularly those containing aspirin.
Asthma Treatment
Managing asthma is a case of controlling the inflammation which causes the symptoms and minimising allergens or irritants which start the condition. Reducing or eliminating allergens and irritants can significantly reduce asthma symptoms and the need for medication.
Dust and dust mite control, animal control, pollen control, mould control and irritant control can all soothe or remove asthma symptoms.
Asthma medications come in two groups; bronchodilators and anti-inflammatories. Bronchodilators help to open airways by relaxing the muscles that surround them. They only help to reduce the acute symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing and coughing and shortness of breath, but they do not help to control the inflammation.
An anti-inflammatory is the typical asthma medication used to control asthma symptoms, proving very effective in providing relief from acute asthma.
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