The Warning Signs of an Asthma Attack

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic and non-curable disease which affects the respiratory system. It causes the airways to constrict and become inflamed, making breathing difficult. There is no definitive cause of asthma, although it is believed in part to be an inherited condition, as well as one influenced by environmental conditions which can be responsible for both the presence of the condition within the individual, as well as causing the outbreak of individual asthma attacks.

What is an Asthma Attack? 

There are many factors which are considered likely to trigger an asthma attack. Asthma attacks most commonly occur in children under 5 years of age, adults in their thirties and over 65, as well as people living in urban areas. There are other factors considered to be involved, such as a personal medical history of allergies, a family history of asthma, children with a family history of asthma, children who have allergies and children who are exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke.

There are specific occurrences during a typical asthma attack. The most common being that the lungs and airway react to certain triggers causing the lining of the airway to become inflamed and swollen, this tightens the muscles surrounding the airway, and increases mucous production; breathing becomes difficult and may be painful; and there may be coughing, wheezing or a whistling sound.

Certain factors are considered responsible for precipitating asthma attacks and asthmatics should endeavour to avoid them. These include allergens, such as mold, pollen, animal protein, and cockroaches; some foods; respiratory infections and sinusitis; irritants, such as strong perfumes, solvents, coal or talcum powder; air pollutants, changing weather conditions, and exposure to chemicals; sensitivity to medications, such as aspirin or sulfites which are used as preservatives in foods and beverages; exercise; gastro-esophageal reflux; smoke; and emotional anxiety and nervous stress. Quite a list.

Because the condition is not curable, it is most important to take as many precautionary measures as possible, in order to minimise the risk of attacks.