Who suffers from asthma?
Asthma affects 20-30 million people in China. Asthma can occur at any age, although it is more common in younger people (under 40 years old). People with a family history of asthma are at an increased risk of developing asthma. Asthma is also more common in people who have allergies or are exposed to cigarette smoke. But asthma can occur in anyone at any time.
What can cause asthma?
People with asthma have very sensitive airways that react to many things in the environment called “triggers”. Exposure to these substances can cause asthma symptoms to appear or cause asthma to worsen.
The following are common asthma triggers.
1. Infections (colds, flu, sinus infections)
2. Allergens such as pollen, mold, pet dander and dust mites
3, irritants such as perfume or detergent odors, air pollution, tobacco mist
4, exercise or exertion
5.Weather: changes in temperature and / or humidity
6.Strong emotional changes such as anxiety, laughing or crying, depression
What are the symptoms of asthma?
People with asthma have symptoms when their airways are tight, swollen, or, filled with mucus. Common symptoms include.
1. coughing, especially at night
2. wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing out)
3. shortness of breath
4. chest tightness, chest pain, or a feeling of pressure in the chest
Not all people with asthma will have the same symptoms in the same situation. You may not have all of these symptoms, or you may have different symptoms at different times. Your symptoms may be different each time you have an attack, with one attack being mild and another being a severe asthma attack. One asthma attack is a sudden worsening of symptoms.
How is asthma diagnosed and treated?
If you suspect you have asthma, see your doctor.
Your doctor will test you to determine if you have asthma.
If you are diagnosed with asthma, there are many treatments that can make you feel better and improve the underlying problem that is causing your asthma.
What can cause an asthma attack?
People with asthma have very sensitive airways that react to many things in the environment called “triggers”. Exposure to these substances can cause asthma symptoms to appear or asthma to worsen.
The following are common asthma triggers.
1. infections (cold, viruses, flu, sinus infections).
2. allergens such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander and dust mites
3, irritants such as odors from perfumes or cleaners, air pollution, tobacco mist.
4, exercise or exertion.
5, weather – changes in temperature and/or humidity, cold air.
6, strong emotional changes such as anxiety, laughing or crying, tension.
7. medications such as antipyretics and analgesics, adrenergic receptor blockers, etc.
What are the common symptoms of asthma?
People with asthma have symptoms when their airways are tight, swollen, or, filled with mucus.
Common symptoms include.
Cough, especially at night; wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound on exhalation); shortness of breath; chest tightness, chest pain, or a feeling of pressure in the chest. Not all people with asthma have all of these symptoms. Sometimes the same person with asthma will have different symptoms at different times. Your symptoms may not be the same every time you have an attack; one attack may be mild and another a severe asthma attack.