Asthma is an inflammatory lung disease which is chronic, and results in recurrent breathing difficulties.
It is characterized by the following problems of the air passages: oInflammation oObstruction oHyper-responsiveness The precise cause of this disease remains unknown but it has been established to be a unique air passage inflammation that results in: oMucus production oContraction of air passage muscles oSwelling in the air passages Asthma is often mistaken for other respiratory problems like emphysema, lower respiratory infections and bronchitis.
Frequently a chronic cough, especially at night, or wheezing and coughing with exercise might be the only symptoms.
Often, sufferers of asthma are unaware that they suffer from the disease.
The disease affects people of all ages.
People more prone to the disease are those with a history of asthma in the family and those pre-disposed to allergies.
Patients who have the disease are sensitive to irritants such as air pollution, a high pollen count, smoke, dust and dry or very cold air.
The presence of any of these irritants could trigger off an attack.
Contrary to popular belief asthma is not aggravated by emotional and stress factors.
Given these conditions it is advisable for an asthmatic to live in a warm and humid environment with a low pollution count.
Many sufferers find living more comfortable by the ocean because of the humid sea breezes.
Asthmatics should avoid vigorous exercise when conditions are not conducive.
During cold, dry weather wearing a scarf or face mask would help in conserving the moisture lining the air tissues.