by David Smith

Created on: August 31, 2009

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs in which the asthmatic, during episodes, known as attacks, find it very difficult to breath. The reasons for this inability to breath is due to two distinct causes. Constriction of the airways and inflammation of the airways are both contributing factors in an asthma attack. The level of the inflammation and the constriction determines the level of the attack. Attacks range from mild to acute, with acute being the worst.

During the onset of an asthma attack, the first thing that the asthmatic notices is a feeling as if they are winded. Even the smallest activities, such as walking from the front door to the car, will leave the suffering asthmatic exhausted, even during the mild attacks. As the attack progresses in severity, the asthma attack will start to show on the physical features of the asthmatic. The lips will start to take on a bluish appearance, and dark circles will appear under the eyes. The most pronounced physical attribute to show itself is the chest moving much more forcefully to try to get air into their lungs.

Some people feel that an asthma attack will make it hard for the asthmatic to exhale, but this is not necessarily accurate. The asthmatic having an attack cannot exhale because the asthmatic cannot inhale during an attack. As the attack progresses, the asthmatic will not be able to walk as the lungs cannot take in enough oxygen to function. It can even progress far enough that the asthmatic will not be able to speak, as speaking takes more oxygen than the asthmatic can take in.

Asthma attacks can be brought on by many things, but some of the most common triggers are allergic reactions, strenuous exercise, and something as simple as a coughing spell or a sneeze. Whatever the trigger is, it is important for the asthmatic to get familiar with it and learn how to avoid them. There are some things that an asthmatic can do to help with the disease. Making sure that the asthmatic is in the best physical shape possible will help stave off an attack, as well as making sure to stay well hydrated. There are many controller medications that you can take daily to make your lungs stronger and more able to fend off an attack. Allergy medications are also able to help with asthma attacks brought on by allergies. In the event that your controller medication is not able to prevent an attack, there are several rescue inhalers that you can get, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Asthma is a disease, and it can adversely affect the quality of your life. However, if you can control the disease before it strikes, you can greatly improve the quality of your life.

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