Asthma is a condition that affects many people worldwide. It can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Asthma has both environmental and genetic aspects.
Identification
Asthma is a disease in which the airways have a chronic tendency to constrict. This occurs due to inflammation and an excess of mucus is the linings of the airways. Asthma has become a focus of medical research in the developed world as recent studies have shown that one in four children in urban areas is affected.
Effects
An acute asthma attack is usually episodic and occurs in response to certain allergens. During these attacks, the airways constrict, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and a feeling of tightness in the chest. In between episodes, afflicted persons may still have minor symptoms and experience difficulty breathing.
Considerations
During an especially severe attack, an asthma sufferer may turn blue from lack of oxygen. He can also experience chest pain and lose consciousness. In the event that an asthmatic does pass out, he may feel numb or start sweating from his palms. These types of attacks may not respond to standard treatmentsm and can be life-threatening.
Potential
There are many factors that can predispose a child to develop asthma. Maternal smoking and delivery by Caesarean section have been shown to increase the risk of a child developing asthma. Other factors that can lead to asthma are stress and respiratory infections at a young age. There are also a number of genetic factors that predispose children towards asthma.
Prevention/Solution
The most common treatment of an acute asthma attack is inhaled corticosteroids. However, long-term treatment via this method can lead to side effects including fat redistribution, weight gain and problems with blood sugar. Treatments that can be used to prevent acute flareups involved other drugs that have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antihistamines.
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