Asthma refers to a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the airways, and was previously classified under chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases but the reversibility of the condition is what makes asthma differ from other COPD.
What causes asthma? Among children, it has been believed that its onset is due to a genetic tendency to produce proteins in the body called IgE, which are commonly released as a reaction towards allergens in the environment. On the other hand, asthma in adults is believed to be a result of coexistence with other respiratory infections such as nasal polyps, sinusitis or cough or triggered by allergens such as dust, fur or pollen.
What is asthma and its symptoms? The defining characteristics of the condition include airway bronchospasm which can be reversed, excessive secretion of mucus and edema of the airways all of which result to the feeling of an obstructed airway, feeling of tightness in the chest, feelings of apprehension or anxiety and labored breathing. At the same time, the disease is life-threatening because the airways become obstructed and air does not get in the lungs compromising oxygen supply to the most vital organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys and others.
What is asthma and its subtypes? There is occupational asthma which is the result of working in environments with allergens such as mining, construction, upholstery and textiles. When an asthma attack is caused by hypersensitivity to the use of various drugs such as caffeine thus leading to eliciting asthma-like symptoms, it is called drug-induced asthma. An exercise-induced asthma results from strenuous activities because of heat or water loss from the linings of the airways while emotional induced asthma refers to a precipitation or aggravation of an attack due to sudden reactions such as anxiety, surprise or fear.
Asthma is one of the most common illnesses suffered by children and adults worldwide and has resulted into limited activities or experiences due to possibility of attacks.
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