Have you ever heard of asthma? Do you think it is caused by dry and cracked lips from cold weather or some other myth?

Asthma is actually a breathing disorder that affects about 300 million people worldwide, mostly children, and can range from mild to life-threatening.

Many people mistakenly believe that asthma always has similar signs and symptoms. However, asthma symptoms vary widely from one individual with the condition to another. This is because there are two types of asthma: allergic and non-allergic (or intrinsic). 

To learn more about this condition and some quick facts about asthma in general, please check out this blog post.

What Is Asthma?

 Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that affects the airways. It causes the airways to narrow and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe.

Some people are born with asthma, but others develop it later in life. Asthma can be triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, exercise, or colds. People with asthma may need medicine to help them breathe better and control their symptoms.

The most common symptoms of asthma include:

• Coughing that occurs at night or early in the morning;
• Wheezing or whistling sound when exhaling;
• Shortness of breath during physical activity;
• Chest tightness or difficulty breathing
• Sweating

What Happens In An Asthma Attack?

In an asthma attack, your airways become inflamed, making breathing difficult. Asthma attacks can happen when something irritates your airways or when you have an allergic reaction.

Here’s what happens during an asthma attack:

The lining of your airways becomes inflamed (swollen). This makes it harder for air to pass through the tubes that carry oxygen into your blood.

Your muscles around the airways tighten up, making them even narrower and harder for air to pass through. This is called bronchospasm.

What Causes Asthma?

The cause of asthma is unknown, but it’s thought to be related to a combination of factors:

• Smoking cigarettes or second-hand smoke (also called passive smoking).
• Inhaling chemicals in the air such as those found in cleaning products, perfumes and air fresheners.
• Exercise or exercise-induced asthma.
• Changes in temperature.
• Pollen from trees, weeds, grasses, and mold.
• Dust mites (tiny bugs that live in bedding and furniture).
•  Household pets (cats and dogs).

Two Types Of Asthma

1. Allergic asthma –  is caused by an immune reaction to allergens (such as dust mites, pollen, mold spores and pet dander) that triggers symptoms like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

2. Non-allergic asthma – is not caused by allergic reactions. It’s usually triggered by exercise or cold weather, but can also be caused by sleeping position or emotional stress.

How Does Asthma Affect The Lungs?

People with asthma experience recurring periods of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing caused by inflamed airways. When they breathe in, the muscles around their airways tighten. This makes the walls of their airways (bronchi) narrow or even swell. 

When you have an asthma attack, your body releases chemicals called inflammatory mediators that cause swelling and inflammation in the lungs. This causes more mucus production and makes it harder for you to breathe.

The inflammation means that the linings of your lungs are irritated by things like dust or pollen—even something as simple as cold air can make them inflamed! If you have asthma, you’ll need to use an inhaler or nebulizer (a device that turns the medicine into a mist) when your symptoms flare up so that you can breathe better.

Asthma can be treated, but there is still no cure. Many people with asthma need to use a reliever inhaler often, especially at night. The medicines may not cure asthma, but they help the symptoms to give the lungs a rest.

If your asthma is not under control, you need to visit your doctor. Asthma medication can help you breathe easier and prevent allergic symptoms from developing. Manage your asthma and continue to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

To learn more view my video here:

If you like my content, please make sure to subscribe to my blog and my YouTube channel to learn more!