AllergyExpert.US
What is asthma?
Asthma is a disease of the lungs. It is a disease that is much more common than it used to be. It now affects more than 22
million people in the United States- more than twice as many as in the 1980’s. It is one of the most common chronic diseases of
childhood. It leads to 500,000 hospital admissions and 5000 deaths every year.
The disease affects the large tubes of the lung called the bronchial tubes. With asthma, the bronchial tubes are hyper responsive
causing overreaction to allergens and irritants. This results in the tube lining becoming inflamed and the muscles surrounding
the bronchial tubes squeezing the airways, making the passages very narrow and difficult for the air to go through. As the disease
persists, the inflammation of the bronchial tube lining becomes worse and worse, leading to increased mucus production and
further narrowing of the airways. Over time, without treatment, the damage on the bronchial tubes can become irreversible,
leading to a permanent loss of lung function.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. Common symptoms of asthma include:
Symptoms can vary from person to person, and not every asthmatic will have all of those symptoms. Should one or more of the
above occur, from mild to extreme, contact your board certified allergist for an evaluation.
What causes asthma?
The exact cause of asthma is unclear. It appears that asthma is the result of a combination of factors, to include genes and
environment. Individuals whose parents have asthma have a higher risk of developing asthma themselves, so genes seem to be
a factor. One gene that appears to be associated with asthma is called ADAM33. However, asthma also develops in individuals
where there is no family of asthma, so genes are not the only factor in asthma. Allergies play an important role in a large number
of asthmatics. It is estimated that asthma is related to allergies in up to 90% of children and 50% of adults. Allergies to dust
mites, animals (cats, dogs), mold, grasses, and cockroaches have been strongly associated with asthma. Some people have
asthma attacks after heavy rains and thunderstorms. This phenomenon, called "thunder-storm asthma" appears to be due to the
breaking up of grass pollen (such as rye grass) and mold spores (such as Alternaria) from the air drops as they hit the surface and
the winds which can disperse the pollen over great distances.
In some individuals, genes and allergies do not seem to have an important role in their asthma. In some women, hormones
seem to be an important factor. Their asthma can correlate with their menstrual cycle or menopause. In some, pregnancy is
associated with a dramatic improvement, or worsening of their asthma.
In up to 10% of asthmatics, aspirin and non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and
naproxen (Aleve) can trigger asthma attacks.
Other things that can trigger asthma attacks include infections (such as colds and sinus infections), cigarette smoke, air pollution
(including ozone), cold air, strong odors (paint, perfumes…), and sulfites.
updated 16 January 2008
Asthma is a disease of the lungs. It is a disease that is much more common than it used to be. It now affects more than 22
million people in the United States- more than twice as many as in the 1980’s. It is one of the most common chronic diseases of
childhood. It leads to 500,000 hospital admissions and 5000 deaths every year.
The disease affects the large tubes of the lung called the bronchial tubes. With asthma, the bronchial tubes are hyper responsive
causing overreaction to allergens and irritants. This results in the tube lining becoming inflamed and the muscles surrounding
the bronchial tubes squeezing the airways, making the passages very narrow and difficult for the air to go through. As the disease
persists, the inflammation of the bronchial tube lining becomes worse and worse, leading to increased mucus production and
further narrowing of the airways. Over time, without treatment, the damage on the bronchial tubes can become irreversible,
leading to a permanent loss of lung function.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. Common symptoms of asthma include:
- Shortness of breath, or trouble breathing- It may be a sensation of breathlessness, or not being able to get enough air in or
out of your lungs. - Chest tightness-It may feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest.
- Wheezing- A high pitched whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe.
- Coughing- A dry, nonproductive, cough. It is often worse at night or early in the morning.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, and not every asthmatic will have all of those symptoms. Should one or more of the
above occur, from mild to extreme, contact your board certified allergist for an evaluation.
What causes asthma?
The exact cause of asthma is unclear. It appears that asthma is the result of a combination of factors, to include genes and
environment. Individuals whose parents have asthma have a higher risk of developing asthma themselves, so genes seem to be
a factor. One gene that appears to be associated with asthma is called ADAM33. However, asthma also develops in individuals
where there is no family of asthma, so genes are not the only factor in asthma. Allergies play an important role in a large number
of asthmatics. It is estimated that asthma is related to allergies in up to 90% of children and 50% of adults. Allergies to dust
mites, animals (cats, dogs), mold, grasses, and cockroaches have been strongly associated with asthma. Some people have
asthma attacks after heavy rains and thunderstorms. This phenomenon, called "thunder-storm asthma" appears to be due to the
breaking up of grass pollen (such as rye grass) and mold spores (such as Alternaria) from the air drops as they hit the surface and
the winds which can disperse the pollen over great distances.
In some individuals, genes and allergies do not seem to have an important role in their asthma. In some women, hormones
seem to be an important factor. Their asthma can correlate with their menstrual cycle or menopause. In some, pregnancy is
associated with a dramatic improvement, or worsening of their asthma.
In up to 10% of asthmatics, aspirin and non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and
naproxen (Aleve) can trigger asthma attacks.
Other things that can trigger asthma attacks include infections (such as colds and sinus infections), cigarette smoke, air pollution
(including ozone), cold air, strong odors (paint, perfumes…), and sulfites.
updated 16 January 2008
The AllergyExpert.US does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Read more on disclaimer and terms of use.
Asthma
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Exercise-induced asthma
What is a rescue inhaler?
What is an asthma controller?
How to use a meter dose inhaler
Allergy shots (immunotherapy)
What is a rescue inhaler?
What is an asthma controller?
How to use a meter dose inhaler
Allergy shots (immunotherapy)
Is your asthma under control?
Click here to find out!
Click here to find out!
Did you know?
23 million Americans suffer from
asthma, including:
Asthma accounts for 2 million
emergency visits each year
13 million school days are missed
each year due to asthma
Exposure to secondhand smoke can
cause asthma in pre-school aged
children
Asthma patients treated by allergy &
asthma specialists have
primary care physicians.
23 million Americans suffer from
asthma, including:
- 6.8 million children (1 in 10
school age child has asthma) - 2 million Hispanics
Asthma accounts for 2 million
emergency visits each year
13 million school days are missed
each year due to asthma
Exposure to secondhand smoke can
cause asthma in pre-school aged
children
Asthma patients treated by allergy &
asthma specialists have
- 95% fewer hospitalizations
- 77% fewer emergency room
visits - 77% fewer missed work days
primary care physicians.
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to share? click here or send an
email to info@allergyexpert.us