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 Asthma
is a disease where the tissues that line the bronchial tubes become inflamed and
swollen. As a result of the condition, the air passage for the flow of air into
and out from the lungs become narrow thereby causing difficulty in breathing.
Ironically, the researchers know 'what' happens but they do not fully understand
'why' the condition mentioned above happens. Hence, a lot of research are
presently being conducted to understand the causes of asthma in the hope to find
a cure for it.
It is generally believed that asthma is heredity. That is, if someone in the
family has asthma then there is a high possibility that another member of the
family may develop asthma as well. Studies have shown a high correlation with
developing asthma in families that generally suffer from other allergic
conditions such as hay fever or eczema. Hence, the relationship between genetic
and the development of asthma cannot be overlooked. Conversely, other research
have shown that a child exposed to excessive pollutants at very early stages of
development, such as tobacco smoke as an example, has a higher probability of
developing asthma at later stages of his life. Other factors, such as severe
infections are also shown to play a role in the development of asthma.
Whatever the initial factor that creates the vulnerability, there is no doubt
that environmental pollutants contribute heavily to worsening the condition.
Even healthy lungs and passage ways can be damaged over time by pollutants
alone. So ultimately, each individual's medical history will be unique in
determining just how the disease may have developed.
Once the sensitivity is there, the asthma sufferer will begin to discover that
different triggers in their environment can bring on an attack. The impact of
these triggers will differ from one individual to another. Some common allergens
that can cause such severe immune responses are animal dander, mold, pollen,
cockroaches and dust mites. Likewise, some environmental substances that can
irritate the bronchi are paint fumes, smog, smoke (both tobacco and otherwise),
strong scents from perfumes, cooking odors, and even cold or heavy humid air.
In certain cases, exercise or even experiencing a strong emotional response, be
it in the form of hearty laughter or tears, can trigger a reaction that
irritates and tightens the airways. There are some sufferers who also suffer
from reflux disease find the condition contributes to worsening of their asthma,
especially at night. Certain drugs such as aspirin and beta blockers can also
cause inflammation of the airways as well.
As the type and number of triggers may vary, all asthma sufferer must exercise
extreme caution to their environment, especially those suffering from chronic
asthma and venturing into a new or foreign environment. Planning in advance for
any outings and visits is necessary. A thorough understanding of the causes of
asthma definitely help in reducing the incidences of asthma attacks. Likewise, a
calm plan of action is necessary to reduce the anxiety and possibly a lessening
of the severity of the attack.
Learn what you can do
about these causes of asthma now!
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