The Defined Cause of Asthma and Asthma Attacks

What is Asthma?

Although asthma is a chronic disease which can't be cured, it can be controlled. It is a respiratory condition in which the airway in a person’s body develops increased responsiveness to various stimuli, and the symptoms of asthma can vary from mild to life threatening. Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and a tightness in the chest, are the common symptoms of a typical asthma attack.

What is the Cause of Asthma?

The cause of asthma is not fully understood, even though there have been significant amounts of research. However, there are a number of factors known to stimulate asthma attacks, which any asthmatic should be aware of.

The most common of these are viral infections, exercise, allergens, irritants, animal dander, dust mites, cockroaches, pollen from trees and grass, and interior and exterior mold. Others include cigarette smoke, air pollutants, cold air or changes in the weather, strong odors such as from painting or cooking, scented products, stress, medicines such as Aspirin, sulfites in food, and infections.  Asthmatics are advised to take specific measures in order to minimise the onset of attacks. These include the regular cleaning of carpets, pillowcases and sheets, hand washing, the removal of any rugs or carpets that collect dust, keeping windows closed, and keeping the air conditioning on. Also, it is best to keep your animals outside.

Even if you utilised all of these precautions, there is no guarantee that you would be immune from an asthma attack, but at least the risk would be lessened.

One important aspect of this condition is to make sure that you have been diagnosed properly by your medical professional. A spirometer is used to  assess lung function - how efficiently the lungs receive, hold, and utilize air - and to monitor any lung disease if present - the severity, and to determine if it is restrictive or obstructive - as well as the effectiveness of any treatment.