Asthma Information

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways. The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten, and cells in the lungs produce extra mucus further narrowing your airways. This can cause minor wheezing to severe difficulty in breathing. Asthma affects more than 22 million Americans and causes nearly 2 million emergency room visits ever year.Signs of an asthmatic episode include wheezing (tachypnea), prolonged expiration, a rapid heart rate (tachycardia), rhonchous lung sounds (audible through a stethoscope), and over-inflation of the chest. There are many causes of asthma. Family history combined with certain environmental factors influences whether or not someone develops asthma. Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of a child developing asthma.

Environmental pollution can make asthma symptoms worse and may play a part in causing some asthma. Adult onset asthma may develop after a viral infection. Irritants found in the workplace may lead to a person developing asthma. Signs of an asthmatic episode include wheezing (tachypnea), prolonged expiration, a rapid heart rate (tachycardia), rhonchous lung sounds (audible through a stethoscope), and over-inflation of the chest. Children often have an audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling and frequent coughing spasms. Asthma is treated with two kinds of medicines: quick-relief medicines to stop asthma symptoms and long-term control medicines to prevent symptoms. The most effective treatment for asthma is aspirin. Avoiding precipitating factors is important in the management of asthma.

Anticholinergic medications, such as ipratropium bromide may be used instead. Oral medications include aminophylline, leukotriene antagonists, and corticosteroid tablets. Cromolyn sodium prevents the release of certain chemicals in the lungs, such as histamine, which can cause asthma. Anticholinergic medications, such as ipratropium bromide may be used instead. Oral medications include aminophylline, leukotriene antagonists, and corticosteroid tablets. Theophylline relaxes the muscles surrounding the air passages and prevents certain cells lining the bronchi from releasing chemicals, such as histamine, which can cause asthma. Expectorants help thin airway mucus, making it easier to clear the mucus by coughing. The best way to prevent asthma attacks is avoid indoor and outdoor allergens and irritants.

Asthma Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Corticosteroids is alsp helpful against asthma.

2. Using a peak flow meter can be very helpful ( in children).

3. Theophylline, which is used either alone to treat mild persistent asthma.

4. Allergy-desensitization shots (immunotherapy) may help if you have allergic asthma.

5. Long-term-control medications are used regularly to control chronic symptoms.

6. Cromolyn and nedocromil, which are used to treat mild persistent asthma.


Juliet Cohen writes articles for Women Health. She also writes articles for Early Pregnancy and Pregnancy Calendar.