CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA, COUGH

Asthma is a lung disease caused by inflammation (swelling) that leads to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Many people with asthma also have a family history of allergies, such as hay fever or pet allergies. It’s a common ailment and complaint.

Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be controlled with medications and patients can live an active and normal life style.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN ASTHMA ATTACK?

An asthma attack is exactly that – the muscles around the airways and the lining of the air passages tighten. Swelling reduces the amount of air that can pass through the airways and leads to a high-pitched, wheezing sound. Asthma attacks can become life-threatening if the airflow in the lungs becomes severely blocked.

HOW ASTHMA TREATED AND CONTROLED?

Asthma treatment is aimed at controlling airway inflammation and avoiding known allergy triggers, like pet dander and pollen. The main goals are to restore normal breathing, prevent asthma attacks and restore daily activities.

CAUSES

The exact reason why people get asthma is not fully known. A family history and the environment seem to play a role for most, but not all, people.

In sensitive people, breathing in allergy-causing substances (called allergens or triggers) can start asthma symptoms. Triggers include pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, or pollens. Respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, stress, food sulfites, tobacco smoke, and other air pollutants can also trigger asthma symptoms.

SYMPTOMS

Asthma symptoms may persist regularly or come and go with the season or asthma triggers. In the fall or spring asthma symptoms may worsen, especially in patients with mold or pollen allergies.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of a cough is based largely on the information you provide. Information necessary to help make an accurate diagnosis includes the duration of the cough, associated signs and symptoms, activities or locations that make the cough worse or better, relation between the cough and time of day, past medical history, and any home therapies already attempted.

ASTHMA / COUGH