Asthma is a condition that affects the airways – the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs.
- If you have asthma your airways are extra sensitive.
- When you come into contact with something you are allergic to, or something that irritates your airways (a trigger), your airways will become narrower, making it harder to breathe.
- The muscles around the airways tighten. The lining becomes inflamed and swollen. Sticky mucous if often produced.
Symptoms of Asthma
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
Not everyone will get all of these symptoms. Asthma varies from day to day, person to person and may come and go throughout your life.
Diagnosis of Asthma
- Liz to work on – Peak flow etc…
Why did I get asthma?
ANYONE can have ASTHMA – young, old, men, women, athletes, artists, ANYONE!
Asthma can start at any age. Some people get symptoms during childhood, which may come and go throughout life. Others develop ‘late-onset’ asthma in adulthood, without ever having had symptoms as a child.
It is unknown for sure what causes asthma. What we do know is that:
- Genetic – asthma is more likely if there is a family history of asthma, eczema or allergies.
- Lifestyle – Many aspects of modern lifestyles – such as changes in housing and diet and a more hygienic environment – may have contributed to the rise in asthma over the last few decades.
Smoking during pregnancy increases the chance of a child developing asthma symptoms.