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Asthma
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Asthma, a respiratory ailment, causes breathing
difficulty, and is one of the most scary medical conditions which can affect both adults and children. Symptoms of
Asthma vary widely from person to person and are sometimes even different within the same person. Asthma is a disease of the airways- bronchi and bronchioles. It is characterized by the constriction of the smooth muscles of the airways, due to inflammation and excessive secretion of mucus. This causes narrowing of the air passages, increasing the effort of breathing/ breathing difficulty, and reducing the amount of oxygen available. Read about Asthma in children Causes There is a genetic component to asthma where children of asthmatics are more prone to develop asthma. It can be triggered by : - viral infection of respiratory tract - inhaled irritants like tobacco, smoke, pollutants, and fumes - vigorous exercise or stress - allergies to pollen, mold, and pets - exposure to cold air Asthma attacks can be very severe which can lead to decreased oxygen in the blood requiring external ventilation. Death caused by asthma is not uncommon. Symptoms vary from person to person. They include dry cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and audible wheezing. In severe cases, there can be increased heart rate, sweating, extreme anxiety and inability to speak without gasping for air.
Diagnosis
Examination: -Physical exam by medical personnel Diagnostic tests include: -Chest x-ray -Pulmonary function tests -incentive spirometry -skin test for allergens Classification of Asthma
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