Asthma is a condition affecting your airways in your lungs.
These airways can be very sensitive and react to many things (see Triggers section) such as:
Even cold air or some perfumes and emotions can cause an asthma attack. Not all people with asthma are sensitive to the same things. Every person has his/her own triggers which may change over time. These triggers are identified on your own or with your doctor. When an asthma attack is triggered, breathing becomes difficult. This is because the airways become smaller (narrower) due to these three factors:
PLUSThick mucus produced in airways also narrows the airways.
When the airways become narrow, it is harder to breathe out. This can lead to the whistling sound or wheezing during an asthma attack. Coughing, activity restrictions or night time awakenings are some other symptoms. The asthma attack should be relieved with proper medications prescribed by your doctor allowing your breathing to return to your normal level. For further information on medications see medication section.
People can develop asthma symptoms at any age, the symptoms may change with age. You may need to control the symptoms for a longer period of time. Some people with asthma have sinus problems and may be congested in the nose. Asthma changes as do your symptoms. This makes it important for you to fine-tune your plan for staying in control with your doctor. It is important for you to work with the SAME doctor so that both of you will understand how well the medications are working for you and what might need adjusting. It takes TEAM WORK and having the same doctor makes it easier for you to control your asthma. Asthma cannot be cured but it can be controlled. You should be able to lead a healthy active life and be able to participate in exercise programs like physical education in school. Being physically fit is a good way to help you control your asthma.
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Asthma is not contagious (spread to other people). It can be passed down from parent to children. More than one person in a family can have asthma including aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.