Asthma is a chronic disease that causes narrowing of the small airways in your lungs. Typically patients develop wheezing and usually have increased mucous production in the lungs.
The causes of asthma is from family history of asthma. Like Me and my brothers inherited it from mom. Another cause is if as an infant you are exposed to any high levels of antigens, which is a toxin or other foreign substance that induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies. Another cause is an allergic trigger such as mould, animal dander, pollen , cockroaches and dust mites. Also are non- allergic triggers such as chemicals, fumes, odors, certain drugs, too much strenuous physical activity, weather and exposure to tobacco smoke or chemical irritants.
The effects are the weakening of lungs, you are more prone to breathing problems, increased lung infection and pneumonia, wheezing , which indicates the tightening of your airways and lastly coughing.
The treatments are long term medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs that will keep your lungs from becoming inflamed. Quick-relief inhalers quickly open swollen airways that are limiting breathing. In some cases, allergy medications are necessary. Long-term medications, generally taken daily, are the cornerstone of asthma treatment. These medications keep asthma under control on a day to day bases and make it less likely you'll have an asthma attack. Types of long-term medications include: Inhaled corticosteroids, Leukotriene modifiers, long-acting beta agonist, combination inhalers and Theophylline. You should work with your doctor to create an asthma action plan that outlines in writing when to take medications, or when to increase or decrease the dose of your medications based on your symptoms. Also include a list of your triggers and the steps you need to take to avoid them.
Your doctor may also recommend tracking your symptoms or using a peak flow meter on a regular basis to monitor how well your treatment is controlling your asthma.
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