Asthma is a chronic and non-curable disease which involves the respiratory system, and which causes the airways to constrict and become inflamed. However, it is believed by some to be partially inherited, but is also considered to be due to a wide array of other factors, such as environmental, infectious, and chemical factors. Therefore, although there is no definitive cause as of yet for asthma, there are certain presumed factors both in regards to the cause of asthma as well as to the onset of asthma attacks.



What is an Asthma Attack?

There are many factors which are considered to trigger an asthma attack, as well as that of risk factors; although anyone may have an attack, it most commonly occurs in the following persons: children under the age of 5, adults in their 30s, adults over 65, and people living in urban communities. There are certain other factors as well that are considered to be involved, including: family history of asthma, personal medical history of allergies, children with a family history of asthma, children who have allergies and children who have exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke.

There are certain factors that occur during a typical asthma attack, with the most common being: the lungs and airways overreact to certain triggers causing the lining of the airways to become inflamed and swollen, tightening of the muscles that surround the airways, and an increased production of mucous; breathing becomes harder and may hurt; possible coughing; and there may also be a wheezing or whistling sound, and this is especially typical of asthma.

There are certain factors which are typically accused of causing attacks, and which any asthmatic should try their best to stay away from, and this includes that of the following: allergens, such as mold, pollen, animal protein, cockroaches, and certain foods; respiratory infections and sinusitis; irritants, such as strong perfumes, chemicals such as coal or talcum powder, air pollutants, changing weather conditions, and chemical-exposure; sensitivity to medications, such as aspirin or sulfites which are used as preservatives in foods and beverages; exercise; gastroesophageal reflux; smoke; and emotional anxiety and nervous stress.

In regards to the asthma treatment that is available today, there are basic steps that are advised by most physicians in order to attempt to at least avoid attacks, which are: clean the house at least once a week, avoid any pets with fur or feathers, wash the bedding weekly in hot water, encase the mattress and pillows in dust-proof covers, consider replacing any upholstered furniture with leather or vinyl, consider replacing carpets in your home with hardwood floors or tile, and remember to keep the humidity in the house as low as you possibly can.

Because this condition is not curable, it is incredibly important to take all of the proper precautionary methods that you can, in order to at least attempt and prevent attacks from coming on as best as you can.