Find Out If You Have Asthma

You can still have your inhaler and play sports too. Asthma, according to WebMD, affects more than 20 million adults and children in the U.S. So the big question is what is Asthma? Let’s take a closer look at Asthma, the symptoms and treatments available for you.

Asthma is a chronic disease that makes it rather difficult to breath. I’ve lived with Asthma all my life and I can tell you that it hasn’t stopped me from doing anything. If you are willing and diligent enough to follow simple rules, than it shouldn’t be hard to fight against this disease we call Asthma.

What is Asthma and it’s Symptoms? (Information can be found on www.WebMD.com)

Asthma, also known as Bronchial Asthma, is a result of inflammation of the airway passages. Since the airway passage is now swollen, it makes it difficult for oxygen to flow directly to the lungs. For any of you who have experienced this feeling, I’m sure you can all agree that it really sucks. You start to feel a shortness of breath, wheezing (funny whistling sound that your lungs make when you try to breathe), coughing and a slight pain in the chest as a result of the asthma.

According to WebMD, there are three major features of Asthma. There is the obvious airway obstruction. The obstruction is caused by tightened muscles that surround the airway passage. This happens when allergens (substances that cause allergic reaction) and environmental factors react negatively with the body’s lungs. A good example of this reaction would be when you smell fresh cut grass. As the grass blows through the wind, it releases allergens that trigger a reaction in your body causing shortness of breath and wheezing. I’ve experienced this many times and I can assure you, it is not pleasing to my lungs at all.

The other two features of asthma are inflammation and airway irritability. Basically this means people who have asthma have engorged-red bronchial tubes. A chain reaction occurs and the airway passages then become irritated and narrow making it difficult for oxygen to flow through. Having these major problems is what adds to the long-term side effects that people have with asthma. Rest assured for all you Asthma sufferers, there are treatments that can help contain such problems.

Treatments for Asthma (Information can be found on www.WebMD.com)

As mentioned on MayoClinic.com, Asthma can be managed in many different ways. Two general types of asthma medications are anti-inflammatory drugs (reduce swelling and mucus production in airway passages) and bronchodilators (relaxes the tightened muscles around the airway passages).

Albuterol is a bronchodilator that is used to prevent wheezing. It is commonly used when asthma occurs after exercising. This medication is inhaled (inhaler) through the mouth usually every 4 to 6 hours depending on how much you need it. When I play golf, I usually inhale it before because I’ve learned in that past that it helps my breathing better than if I took it after.

Advair is a type of anti-inflammatory drug that is also inhaled. Unlike Albuterol which has an aerosol-mist type of inhaler, Advair is a powder that is inhaled. This drug is also a long-term medication but isn’t a fast-acting drug that alleviates sudden asthma attacks. I take this everyday and I also use Albuterol as my main day-to-day inhaler. For people who have severe cases of Asthma, I high recommend consulting a doctor and taking tests to determine what type of medication best suits your body.

With care and treatments available, I really think that anyone with asthma can live life normally. Again, there are different types of medications available based on each and every persons diagnosis so it’s always a good point to see your doctor. Remember that it doesn’t have to take control of you. Asthma is a disease but it doesn’t have keep you away from your normal activities. If you have asthma-like symptoms always consult a doctor.

Source:

http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/what-is-asthma

http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-symptoms-types

http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-treatment-care