subject: Learn About Asthma [print this page] Learn About Asthma Learn About Asthma
Asthma is a long-term chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways causing recurring periods of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Coughing usually occurs at night or very early in the morning. It can't be cured even when one feels okay and can occur at any time. Any one can get asthma despite the age. In the United States more than 22 million people have been diagnosed with asthma and around 6 million are children. However there are modern ways to manage the disease and one can live normal and active lives and sleep without interruptions.
Asthma's exact cause isn't known but several factors studied by researchers are believed to be some causes: inheritance from parents with asthma, contact with airborne viral infections during infancy before immunity have developed or even an inherited tendency to acquire allergies referred to as atopy. Other people may develop asthma because of exposure to chemicals or in industrial work places something referred to as occupational asthma. A lung function test performed frequently can be one safe way to diagnose asthma.
Asthma is a long-term disease but when well controlled one reduces quick requirements of relief medicines is reduced. One also prevents disturbing symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. Since asthma mostly results in emergency attention, when well controlled such occurrences are reduced or even being admitted to hospital. To achieve this, identify and avoid things that can aggravate your asthma, keep track of your asthma level, get regular checkups for your asthma, use medicines as your doctor prescribes and get regular checkups for your asthma.
