Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways) that causes swelling and narrowing (constriction) of the airways. The result is difficulty breathing. The bronchial narrowing is usually either totally or at least partially reversible with treatments.
Bronchial tubes that are chronically inflamed may become overly sensitive to allergens (specific triggers) or irritants (nonspecific triggers). The airways may become "twitchy" and remain in a state of heightened sensitivity. This is called "bronchial hyperreactivity" (BHR). It is likely that there is a spectrum of bronchial hyperreactivity in all individuals. However, it is clear that asthmatics and allergic individuals (without apparent asthma) have a greater degree of bronchial hyperreactivity than nonasthmatic and nonallergic people
Common Asthma Triggers
Allergens- "seasonal" pollens
- year-round dust mites, molds, pets, and insect parts
- foods, such as fish, egg, peanuts, nuts, cow's milk, and soy
- additives, such as sulfites
- work-related agents, such as latex
Allergy fact
About 80% of children and 50% of adults with asthma also have allergies.
Irritants
- respiratory infections, such as those caused by viral "colds," bronchitis, and sinusitis
- drugs, such as aspirin, other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs), and beta blockers (used to treat blood pressure and other heart conditions)
- tobacco smoke
- outdoor factors, such as smog, weather changes, and diesel fumes
- indoor factors, such as paint, detergents, deodorants, chemicals, and perfumes
- nighttime
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder)
- exercise, especially under cold dry conditions
- work-related factors, such as chemicals, dusts, gases, and metals
- emotional factors, such as laughing, crying, yelling, and distress
- hormonal factors, such as in premenstrual syndrome
Common Asthma Triggers
Allergens- "seasonal" pollens
- year-round dust mites, molds, pets, and insect parts
- foods, such as fish, egg, peanuts, nuts, cow's milk, and soy
- additives, such as sulfites
- work-related agents, such as latex
Allergy fact About 80% of children and 50% of adults with asthma also have allergies. Irritants
- respiratory infections, such as those caused by viral "colds," bronchitis, and sinusitis
- drugs, such as aspirin, other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs), and beta blockers (used to treat blood pressure and other heart conditions)
- tobacco smoke
- outdoor factors, such as smog, weather changes, and diesel fumes
- indoor factors, such as paint, detergents, deodorants, chemicals, and perfumes
- nighttime
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder)
- exercise, especially under cold dry conditions
- work-related factors, such as chemicals, dusts, gases, and metals
- emotional factors, such as laughing, crying, yelling, and distress
- hormonal factors, such as in premenstrual syndrome
Allergic (extrinsic) and nonallergic (intrinsic) Asthma
Your doctor may refer to asthma as being "extrinsic" or "intrinsic." A better understanding of the nature of asthma can help explain the differences between them. Extrinsic, or allergic asthma, is more common (90% of all cases) and typically develops in childhood. Approximately 80% of children with asthma also have documented allergies. Typically, there is a family history of allergies. Additionally, other allergic conditions, such as nasal allergies or eczema, are often also present. Allergic asthma often goes into remission in early adulthood. However, in 75% of cases, the asthma reappears later.
Intrinsic asthma represents about 10% of all cases. It usually develops after the age of 30 and is not typically associated with allergies. Women are more frequently involved and many cases seem to follow a respiratory tract infection. The condition can be difficult to treat and symptoms are often chronic and year-round
Symptoms and signs of Asthma
The symptoms of asthma vary from person to person and in any individual from time to time. It is important to remember that many of these symptoms can be subtle and similar to those seen in other conditions.The following are the four major recognized asthma symptoms:
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or at night
- Wheezing is a whistling or hissing sound when breathing out
- Coughing may be chronic, is usually worse at night and early morning, and may occur after exercise or when exposed to cold, dry air
- Chest tightness may occur with or without the above symptoms