Sunday, March 27, 2011
Asthma Treatment and Prevention
Asthma is a condition that affects about 10% of the total population of children in the United States, but its onset can occur at any age under 40. It is a chronic illness that affects the airways that carry air in and out of the lungs. What happens during an episode is that the muscles of these airways tighten, allowing only a small amount of air into the lungs; and the cells in the lungs overproduce mucus which makes it that much harder to breathe. A common manifestation of an asthma attack can range from mild wheezing to severe breathing problems.
There are plenty of stimulants that can trigger asthma and attacks. Most of these are environmental, and can be found in the workplace, school or neighborhood. Constant exposure to irritants like dust and smoke can lead to a development of asthma among adults. It can also be caused by a disorder in the GIT system called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD, where the upper sphincter of the stomach doesn't close properly, allowing its contents to flow back into the esophagus.
The stomach contents causes heartburn and also irritates the lining of the esophagus and airways, which in turn causes the development of asthma. Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy also have an increased risk of developing asthma. The most common trigger of asthma attacks are allergens, which is why asthma is almost always associated with allergies.
Asthma can be treated by a variety of medications, but the most common and most effective of which are corticosteroid anti-inflammatory inhalers. This drug relaxes the airways and reduces inflammation, making it easier to breathe. Bronchodilators are common treatments for asthma attacks as well. These dilate and open up the airways, preventing a full-blown attack from occurring.
There are plenty of stimulants that can trigger asthma and attacks. Most of these are environmental, and can be found in the workplace, school or neighborhood. Constant exposure to irritants like dust and smoke can lead to a development of asthma among adults. It can also be caused by a disorder in the GIT system called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD, where the upper sphincter of the stomach doesn't close properly, allowing its contents to flow back into the esophagus.
The stomach contents causes heartburn and also irritates the lining of the esophagus and airways, which in turn causes the development of asthma. Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy also have an increased risk of developing asthma. The most common trigger of asthma attacks are allergens, which is why asthma is almost always associated with allergies.
Asthma can be treated by a variety of medications, but the most common and most effective of which are corticosteroid anti-inflammatory inhalers. This drug relaxes the airways and reduces inflammation, making it easier to breathe. Bronchodilators are common treatments for asthma attacks as well. These dilate and open up the airways, preventing a full-blown attack from occurring.