Asthma

Asthma (pronounced AZ-ma) is a chronic disease affecting the airway passages and lungs.  If you have asthma, you may suffer from periods of breathlessness, accompanied by wheezing and coughing, as your airway passages constrict to protect the lungs from irritants or allergens.

Airway passages extend from the mouth and nose into the lungs.  They branch out and get smaller as they reach the lungs.  In a person who has asthma, the airway passages in the lungs are swollen, and this makes them much more sensitive to irritants and allergens such as pet dander, dust, or pollen.  When an irritant reaches the passages, the airways react by swelling, contracting, and producing mucus to try and prevent the irritant from reaching the lungs.  This makes it more difficult for air to pass.  This restriction may make the person cough, whistle, or wheeze when they breathe.  It can also make the person’s chest feel tight.

There is no cure for asthma, but by avoiding irritants, properly monitoring your condition, and taking medications as instructed by your physician, you will be able to control your asthma and its symptoms.

Every asthma sufferer is unique and no two experience the following asthma symptoms in the same way or at the same time of day. One sufferer may experience symptoms every week, another every other month, and still another might experience symptoms every day.

Symptoms include:

• coughing
• wheezing
• chest tightness
• shortness of breath
• faster or noisy breathing

You may notice these symptoms after you have exercised, especially in cold weather; have cried and laughed for a longer period of time; or when you come into contact with an irritant.  You may also notice that you cough more, especially at night. 

Asthma symptoms can lead to an asthmatic episode or attack.