Asthma is a stressful and challenging lung condition that can make your airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, which causes breathing difficulties.
Though some individuals may eventually grow out of asthma, for many others it is a life-long condition. Living with asthma can turn into a significant problem that interferes with one’s daily life. It can eventually lead to asthma attacks, which can be life-threatening.
Though there is currently no cure for asthma, its associated symptoms can be controlled with medication. Asthma often changes over time, therefore it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to work out the best treatment for you, and to adjust as needed.
Genetics and exposure to certain elements in the environment combined together can put people at the greatest risk of developing asthma for the first time.
Common causes that lead to asthma
- Family history – if one of the parents has asthma, the likelihood of the child developing asthma is three to six times more likely to develop asthma than someone who does not have asthma.
- Allergies – Certain allergic conditions like eczema or hay fever are linked to people who get asthma.
- Viral respiratory infections – Respiratory problems during infancy and childhood can cause wheezing and such children who experience viral respiratory infections can develop chronic asthma.
- Occupational exposures – Exposures to certain elements in the workplace can cause asthma symptoms.
- Smoking – Smokers have a high risk of asthma. Secondhand smokers are also more likely to get asthma.
- Air Pollution – Exposure to smog (ozone) raises the risk for asthma.
- Obesity – Some experts point to that low-grade inflammation in the body that occurs with extra weight may lead to asthma.
The goal of asthma treatment is to control symptoms. Your healthcare provider can diagnose asthma by reviewing your medical history, (including information about your parents and siblings), by understanding about your symptoms and by knowing any history of allergies.
Asthma can be managed better with prompt intervention and expert treatment methods.
