Asthma is a chronic disorder that affects the airways, producing inflammation and constriction of the lungs, reducing airflow.
Individuals with asthma may experience:
Symptoms can include chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and increased mucus production.
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Asthma attacks occur when these symptoms worsen and can become severe. Attacks can occur unexpectedly and range in severity from minor to life-threatening.
In severe cases, swelling in the airways can block the flow of oxygen to the lungs, preventing it from entering the circulation and reaching important organs.
This necessitates prompt medical attention.
A doctor can provide suitable medications and advise on how to properly manage asthma symptoms.
Causes and Triggers
The specific origins of asthma are unknown, but genetic and environmental factors appear to play important roles.
Certain factors, such as allergy sensitisation, might serve as both causes and triggers.
Here are some other causes and triggers:
Pregnancy
A 2020 study reveals that smoking during pregnancy raises the likelihood of the foetus acquiring asthma later in life.
Furthermore, some people may suffer severe asthma symptoms when pregnant.
Obesity
According to a 2018 study, obesity is both a risk factor and a moderator of asthma in children and adults.
Obese patients may experience more frequent and severe symptoms, a lower quality of life, and a less effective response to medicines.
Allergies
Allergies develop when the body becomes sensitised to certain substances, causing allergic reactions upon exposure.
The most frequent type is allergic asthma, which occurs when allergens are inhaled and cause asthma symptoms.
Smoking tobacco
Cigarette smoking can exacerbate asthma symptoms, while secondhand smoke can harm the lungs, lowering treatment efficacy and airflow.
Environmental Factors
Air pollution, both indoors and outdoors, can influence the onset and severity of asthma.
Common indoor allergies include:
– Mold – Dust – Animal hair and dander – Paint and cleaning product fumes.
– Cockroaches and Feathers.
Outdoor stimuli include:
– Pollen – Air pollution caused by cars and other sources
– Ground level ozone
Stress
Stress and various emotions, such as joy, rage, excitement, laughter, and sobbing, can cause asthma symptoms.
There is some evidence linking asthma to mental health disorders like sadness and anxiety.
Long-term stress may cause epigenetic alterations that contribute to persistent asthma.
Genetic factors
Genetics could influence asthma development.
Individuals who have one or both parents with asthma are more likely to get the ailment themselves.
Hormonal factors
The prevalence of asthma varies by gender, with around 6.1% of men and 9.8% of women suffering.
Symptoms may fluctuate in response to hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or menopause.
For example, asthma symptoms may develop during menstruation due to hormonal shifts, resulting in perimenstrual asthma.
Hormonal changes during menopause might exacerbate or alleviate asthma symptoms, and hormonal activity may also influence immunological responses, potentially increasing airway hypersensitivity.
