Asthma

Overview

Asthma is a respiratory disorder which affects the air passages. There is no cure for asthma, but the symptoms may improve with time, and care.

What is Asthma?
Asthma is characterized by narrowing of the air passage, resulting in breathing difficulty. Air passages carry oxygen to and from lungs. Narrowing of air passage is caused by inflammation and swelling over the airways. This further leads to symptoms like chest tightening, and wheezing.

Symptoms

Cough         
Pulling in skin between ribs while breathing         
Shortness of breath which gets worse with exercise         
Wheezing

Symptoms which need immediate medical attention        

Bluish discoloration of lips.         
Severe drowsiness with the attack        
Extreme difficulty in breathing        
Increased pulse         
Sweating

Causes

Asthma is caused by inflammation of airways. In sensitive people, asthma symptoms can be triggered by breathing in allergy.

Pet hair         
Dust        
Cold weather         
Mold       
Pollen         
Stress         
Family history

Treatments

Medicines
Self care